Association of Students' Nutritional Behaviors with Insulin Resistance and Body Measurements

BACKGROUND Obesity is a significant public health problem worldwide. This study investigated the relationship between the nutritional behaviors of university students, anthropometric measurements, and insulin resistance. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 311 students who sought services at the Ordu University Education and Family Health Center. Participants were interviewed face-to-face using a socio-demographic data form and a three-factor dietary survey. Anthropometric measurements of the participants were taken, and laboratory tests were recorded. RESULTS In the study, 86.2% of participants were aged 18-25, 74.0% were female, and 37.0% were from the medical faculty. Most (58.8%) did not exercise regularly, 68.2% were normal weight, 89.7% had a standard waist-to-hip ratio, and 73.2% had typical HOMA-IR values. A moderate positive correlation existed between BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and HOMA-IR. Women scored higher on dietary surveys (p=0.01), as did those with overweight/obesity (p<0.001) and risky waist-to-hip ratios (p=0.03). Uncontrolled eating was more prevalent in the 26-35 age group (p=0.02) and among students in their senior year (p=0.03), while those who exercised regularly showed higher conscious eating restrictions (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Many factors influence obesity, and eating behavior arises from either metabolic needs (homeostatic appetite) or emotional reasons (hedonic appetite) or their interaction. Therefore, identifying factors associated with hedonic hunger is essential for developing individual dietary habits. Students' eating habits and lack of exercise are significant contributors to the development of obesity. Screening and recording anthropometric measurements in primary healthcare facilities is crucial for raising awareness, as well as for diagnosing and preventing obesity.