Rural Health: Low Obesity Rates Among Students in Portugal's Countryside

Abstract

Dietary habits significantly influence students' health status, with overweight and obesity posing serious global challenges linked to chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Our cross-sectional study assessed overweight and obesity prevalence among students in Guarda, Portugal, analyzing the nutritional and lifestyle habits of 2083 students aged 6 to 58 years. The sample included 1762 school children and 321 higher education adults, grouped into age intervals: 5-12, 13-19, 20-39, and 40-59 years. BMI analysis revealed obesity rates of 9.1% in children and 9.7% in adults, with younger children, particularly males, showing higher rates compared to older children. Increased physical activity and reduced sedentary time were correlated with a lower BMI. The observed obesity rates suggest that factors such as physical activity levels, traditional dietary patterns, and access to fresh foods in this region of Portugal may contribute to better health outcomes among students.

Keywords: Body Mass Index; eating behaviours; physical activity; student health status.

Figure 1

Cross-sectional study design.

Figure 2

Weight status of child (a) and adult (b) students.

Figure 3

Consumption frequency of different groups of food by children (a) and adults (b). 1—never; 2—less than once per month; 3—one to three days per month; 4—one day per week; 5—two to four days per week; 6—four to six days per month; 7—once per day; 8—twice or more per day; ○ mild outlier; * extreme outlier.