The analysis of the relationship between anthropometric indicators and the level of physical activity in university...

Physical activity holds multiple dimensions of value, including health, social, esthetic, and socio-economic impacts, and influences university students' achievements. This study aimed to determine the level of physical activity among students at the University of Novi Sad (Serbia) and examine its association with anthropometric characteristics and body composition.

A total of 114 first-year students from the Faculty of Technical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, and Faculty of Sport and Physical Education of the University of Novi Sad (Serbia) participated in the study. The first part involved completing the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, based on which participants were categorized as physically active or inactive. The second part included anthropometric measurements, calculation of relevant indices, assessment of body composition (body fat), and measurement of arterial blood pressure.

The analysis showed that students of both sexes from the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education had the highest physical activity levels. Statistically significant differences were found between physically active and inactive students in body weight, hip and waist circumference, percentage of body fat, body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, and arterial blood pressure. Higher values were recorded in physically inactive students.

This study found that physically active students had significantly more favorable anthropometric and physiological profiles than their inactive peers. These results highlight the need for universities to promote active lifestyles by reintroducing mandatory Physical Education, offering targeted health education, and creating supportive environments for daily activity.