Relation between lifestyle behaviors and body composition patterns among healthy young Italians: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Negative lifestyle factors affect health outcomes adversely. The aim of the study was to assess body composition parameters and their relationship to several lifestyle behaviors among young Italian adults. METHODS: A cross sectional study was carried out on a sample of university students (n= 200; 50% males; 21.9 ± 2.0 years). Anthropometric and bio-impedance traits were directly measured. Behavioral data (physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking data) were collected by a self- administered questionnaire. Quantitative and qualitative data were used to characterize and compare across participants by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: The prevalence of subjects at risk (above the cut-points) was 3% in men and 2% in women for generalized obesity (BMI); 1% in women for centralized obesity (waist circumference); 12% in men and 5% in women for obesity (fat percentage). Unhealthy behaviors were infrequent in our sample. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that percentage of fat mass and fat-free mass were closely related to sex and structured physical activity: fat percentage decreased and fat free mass increased with the increasing of sport practice. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight new evidence on the particular impact of structured physical activity on body composition in young adults. Interventions should focus on the optimization of youth health behaviors.