The prevalence of overweight and obesity vs. the level of physical activity of aviation military academy students

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate overweight, obesity and the level of physical activity in the study group of 100 cadets of the Air Force Military Academy in Dęblin (WSOSP). Material and Methods: Evaluation of overweight and obesity was based on body mass index (BMI) and body fat content. An accelerometer AiperMotion 500TM was used to measure the level of physical activity. There were marked such parameters as the average daily energy consumption, the average distance covered during the day and the whole week and the indicator of physical activity level (PAL). Results: Based on BMI indicators, 71.3% of the cadets had normal body weight, 25.3% were overweight and 3.4% were obese. Assessment of nutritional status showed significant differences between the 1st and 2nd vs. the 4th and 5th years of study. Normal BMI values showed 88% of the 1st and 2nd year students, while of the 4th and 5th years – only 48.6% (p < 0.05). Based on the body fat content, obesity was found only in a group of older students (16.2%) and overweight was 10 times higher in the 4th and 5th years (21.6%) in comparison to younger students (2%). The average distance covered during the day or during the whole week was significantly higher in the 1st and 2nd year students. Conclusions: It is necessary to implement appropriate measures in the field of nutrition and physical activity to prevent the development of excessive body weight during studies among the military cadets of the Air Force Military Academy in Dęblin. Med Pr 2015;66(5):653–66