Lifestyle of a population of Italian university students

Entering the university world represents a critical moment for students, characterized by high levels of stress and depression, negative changes in eating habits and lifestyle, which leads them to be considered a population at high risk of malnutrition and/or obesity, metabolic and, in the long run, cardiovascular diseases1. Interest in healthy eating can result in an obsession known as orthorexia, frequent among students in the biomedical and sports context2. A high adherence to the Mediterranean diet seems to bring significant and different health benefits3. The aim of this study was to evaluate adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and the relationship between lifestyle and biomarkers of the metabolic status. Students (N=126) of La Sapienza University of Rome completed questionnaires on self-medication, eating habits, level of physical activity, orthorexia and lifestyle. Clinical metabolic status parameters were evaluated by self-diagnosis of capillary blood sampling. Among the participants 79% presented a medium-low adherence to the Mediterranean diet and 25% reported orthorexic eating behaviuors. Only 15% and 4% showed high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, respectively. However, more than 50% reported eating out at least 2 times a week. Although university students seem to pursue an wholesome lifestyle, most of them tend not to follow a healthy and balanced diet. It is necessary to design promotion programs for diets and healthy lifestyles in university students. Referencias bibliográficas [1] Lupi S, Bagordo F, Stefanati A, et al. Assessment of lifestyle and eating habits among undergraduate students in northern Italy. Ann Ist Super Sanita. 2015;51(2):154‐161. [2] Oberle CD, Watkins RS, Burkot AJ. Orthorexic eating behaviors related to exercise addiction and internal motivations in a sample of university students. Eat Weight Disord. 2018;23(1):67‐74. [3] O'Neil A, Quirk SE, Housden S, et al. Relationship between diet and mental health in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Am J Public Health. 2014;104(10):e31‐e42.