Eating habits, nutritional status, and lifestyle correlates of body composition in Chinese university students: a cross-sectional study.

Hidden obesity was observed in 17.0% of university students and was significantly more prevalent among females than males.

• Hidden obesity was defined as excessive body fat despite normal body mass index.
• Overall prevalence of hidden obesity was 17.0% across the 993 students.
• Prevalence was 23.0% among females compared to only 1.1% among males (p < 0.05).
• Body composition was measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer.
• Study was conducted among undergraduate students at a major Chinese university.

Low protein mass was present in 31.0% of students and was more prevalent among females than males.

• Low protein mass was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis.
• Overall prevalence of low protein mass was 31.0% across the sample.
• Prevalence among females was 33.5% compared to 24.6% among males (p < 0.05).
• The sex-specific difference was statistically significant.

Fewer than half of participants reported daily vegetable consumption, and only 18.2% consumed fruit daily.

• Daily vegetable consumption was reported by fewer than 50% of the 993 participants.
• Daily fruit consumption was reported by only 18.2% of participants.
• Dietary intake was assessed using validated questionnaires.
• These findings indicate widespread unbalanced dietary patterns among the student population.

Weekly fruit intake showed a weak but positive association with both body fat percentage and protein percentage after adjusting for confounders.

• The association was statistically significant (p < 0.05).
• The association was described as 'weak but positive' for both body fat and protein percentages.
• Multivariable regression analyses were used to examine associations while adjusting for confounders.
• The authors noted this relationship 'may reflect broader dietary or lifestyle behaviors rather than a direct protective effect.'

The study assessed a cross-sectional sample of 993 undergraduate students using validated questionnaires and bioelectrical impedance analysis.

• 993 undergraduate students at a major Chinese university were enrolled.
• Dietary intake, physical activity, sleep, and other lifestyle factors were assessed using validated questionnaires.
• Body composition including body fat percentage and protein status was measured with a bioelectrical impedance analyzer.
• A cross-sectional survey design was used.
• Associations were examined using multivariable regression analyses.

Sex-specific differences in both hidden obesity and low protein mass were identified among Chinese university students.

• Hidden obesity was substantially higher in females (23.0%) versus males (1.1%).
• Low protein mass was higher in females (33.5%) versus males (24.6%).
• Both sex differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05).
• The authors identified sex-specific differences as a key characteristic of body composition in this population.