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Open Access 14-07-2022 | Nutrition | Original Article

Dietary intake and physical activity of German university students

Authors: Carolin Nössler, Melanie Schneider, Antje Schweter, Petra Maia Lührmann

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 10/2023

Abstract

Aim

A balanced diet is important for health and well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate dietary intake and physical activity in German university students.

Subjects and methods

A cross-sectional nutrition study was conducted at the University of Education, Schwäbisch Gmünd (Germany). Food consumption (3-day estimated dietary record) and physical activity level (PAL, standardized questionnaire) were assessed in 329 female (f) (age 22.7±3.4 years) and 60 male (m) students (age 24.0±3.1 years) and compared with recommendations (one-sample t-test, α = 0.05).

Results

On average, students consumed less vegetables (f: 177±119, m: 152±163 g/day), fruit (f: 169±117, m: 146±158 g/day), and potatoes/grain products (f: 303±126, m: 362±163 g/day) than recommended. Meat consumption was too high in men (1155±651 g/week), but not in women (490±455 g/week). The consumption of milk/dairy products was slightly too low in women (190±129 g/day), but in the recommended range for men (279±253 g/day). Nutrient recommendations were almost achieved (exceptions: fiber, vitamin D and folate [f, m], fat, iron and vitamin E [f], carbohydrate [m]). Leisure time physical activity was 259±222 min/week (f) and 359±236 min/week (m), and PAL was 1.60±0.11 (f) and 1.65±0.12 (m).

Conclusions

Dietary intake and physical activity in university students is roughly equivalent to that in the average German population and needs to be improved.

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Title: Dietary intake and physical activity of German university students
Authors: Carolin Nössler
Melanie Schneider
Antje Schweter
Petra Maia Lührmann
Publication date: 14-07-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Nutrition
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 10/2023
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-022-01729-9

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Dietary intake and physical activity of German university students

Abstract

Aim

Subjects and methods

Results

Conclusions

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Abstract

Aim

Subjects and methods

Results

Conclusions

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