Anthropometric Indicators in Diet and Physical Activity

Abstract

Lifestyle patterns which include diet, level of physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking and stress are capable of having both positive and negative effect on various health indicators such as anthropometric, cardiovascular and metabolic parameters of body physiology. This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between diet, physical activity and anthropometric indicators [Weight (Wt.), Height (Ht.), Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist and Hip circumferences (WC, HC) and Waist-Hip ratio (WHR)]. Three hundred and seventy five (375) young adults with a mean age of 21.61±2.168 years were selected using the convenience sampling technique. International physical activity questionnaire and food frequency questionnaire were used to collect information on their physical activity level and dietary intake respectively, following which selected anthropometric indices (Wt, Ht, BMI, WC, HC and WHR) were measured. Statistical measure of association (correlation) and differences in mean were obtained for variables using the spearman rank and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) respectively. Results revealed a higher dietary intake in males than females with a statistically insignificant association between BMI, HC, WC and dietary intake. However, there was a positive significant association between dietary intake and WHR dietary intake; and BMI. Result also revealed a negative association between HC, WC and physical activity though statistically insignificant. Proper nutritional habits and improved physical activity levels can positively influence anthropometric variables of health.