Area of Science:

• Nutrition science
• Sports science
• Public health

Background:

• University students' diets are increasingly deviating from the Mediterranean diet (DM).
• A balanced diet and physical activity are crucial for maintaining good health.
• Understanding dietary patterns in university students is essential for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the dietary intake of physically active university students with their sedentary peers.
• To assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet (DM) in university students.
• To identify nutritional deficiencies and excesses in the diets of university students.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional observational study involving 49 university students.
• Assessment of anthropometric data (weight, height) and physical activity levels (GPAQ questionnaire).
• Dietary intake evaluated through food frequency questionnaires and 3-day food records; Mediterranean Diet Score (DM) used for adherence assessment.

Main Results:

• All participants were of normal weight, with no significant differences based on physical activity.
• Women exhibited lower physical activity levels compared to men.
• Student diets were hyperproteic, high in fat and cholesterol, with inadequate carbohydrates and fiber, but sufficient micronutrients.
• Low consumption of fruits, vegetables, cereals, olive oil, fish, and nuts; excessive intake of meat, butter, pastries, sweets, snacks, and soft drinks.
• 50% of students showed low or very low adherence to the Mediterranean diet (DM).

Conclusions:

• University students' diets do not meet nutritional targets for the Spanish population.
• Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (DM) is moderate to low among university students, irrespective of their physical activity levels.
• Dietary habits of university students require intervention to promote healthier eating patterns and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (DM).