Food intake, nutritional status and level of physical activity in a Brazilian university community

Objective This study assessed the food intake variability and frequency, nutritional status and level of physical activity of a university community in Brazil. Methods The sample comprised 303 volunteers (130 men and 173 women) from a university community in Sao Paulo state. They answered the International Physical Activity Questionnaire online and reported their weight and height. Statistical treatment included descriptive analysis, analysis of food intake frequency (Dietsys) and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Results Eating habits were inappropriate and many individuals were overweight or obese. There were more correlations among food groups for women who had better diets than men but the level of physical activity did not differ between the genders. There was no significant correlation between food groups and body mass index or level of physical activity for men or women. Conclusion The study university community consumes little fruit, non-starchy vegetables, grains and legumes