<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<bold><italic>Introduction.</italic></bold> Physical activity and good diet are the primary determinants of body weight. The aim of the study was to compare physical activity and eating behaviours of overweight and obese females (taking into consideration their body fat distribution) with individuals with normal levels of body fat.
<bold><italic>Material and methods.</italic></bold> The study included females aged 20-35. The study group consisted of 449 subjects, who were categorised into groups based on their body fat percentage: underweight, normal body fat, overweight and obese. The WHR index was computed in individuals who were overweight or obese. The assessment of physical activity levels was conducted using data obtained from the IPAQ, while eating behaviours were examined using the Dietary Habits And Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire developed by the Polish Academy of Sciences.
<bold><italic>Results.</italic></bold> Females who were overweight or obese exhibited greater values of the examined physical characteristics in comparison to individuals with normal levels of body fat. Subjects with fat tissue in the abdomen area had higher values of somatic characteristics. There were no statistically significant differences in physical activity levels between individuals with normal body fat and overweight or obese females. However, when the second group was divided into those with abdominal fatness and those with peripheral fatness, it was observed that individuals with abdominal fatness had lower levels of physical activity, including both total activity as well as vigorous and moderate activity. There were no significant differences in eating behaviours found between the groups.
<bold><italic>Conclusions.</italic></bold> The amount and placement of fat tissue in young females is more closely linked to their levels of physical activity rather than their eating habits and knowledge about food and nutrition.
</abstract>

Introduction. Physical activity and good diet are the primary determinants of body weight. The aim of the study was to compare physical activity and eating behaviours of overweight and obese females (taking into consideration their body fat distribution) with individuals with normal levels of body fat.
Material and methods. The study included females aged 20-35. The study group consisted of 449 subjects, who were categorised into groups based on their body fat percentage: underweight, normal body fat, overweight and obese. The WHR index was computed in individuals who were overweight or obese. The assessment of physical activity levels was conducted using data obtained from the IPAQ, while eating behaviours were examined using the Dietary Habits And Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire developed by the Polish Academy of Sciences.
Results. Females who were overweight or obese exhibited greater values of the examined physical characteristics in comparison to individuals with normal levels of body fat. Subjects with fat tissue in the abdomen area had higher values of somatic characteristics. There were no statistically significant differences in physical activity levels between individuals with normal body fat and overweight or obese females. However, when the second group was divided into those with abdominal fatness and those with peripheral fatness, it was observed that individuals with abdominal fatness had lower levels of physical activity, including both total activity as well as vigorous and moderate activity. There were no significant differences in eating behaviours found between the groups.
Conclusions. The amount and placement of fat tissue in young females is more closely linked to their levels of physical activity rather than their eating habits and knowledge about food and nutrition.

Physical Activity and Dietary Habits in Young Females with Varying Levels of Body Fat and Fat Distribution

Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Faculty of Physical Education and Health in Biała Podlaska

Department of Biomedical and Chemical Fundamentals of Cosmetology

Poland Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw, Faculty of Physical Education and Health in Biała Podlaska

Polish Journal of Sport and Tourism

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Introduction. Physical activity and good diet are the primary determinants of body weight. The aim of the study was to compare physical activity and eating...

Physical Activity and Dietary Habits in Young Females with Varying Levels of Body Fat and Fat Distribution

Published Online: Jul 29, 2024

Page range: 33 - 39

Received: Jun 13, 2024

Accepted: Jun 27, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/pjst-2024-0012

Keywords
women, physical activity, dietary habits, fat distribution

© 2024 Dmitruk Agnieszka et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Physical Activity and Dietary Habits in Young Females with Varying Levels of Body Fat and Fat Distribution

Published Online: Jul 29, 2024

Page range: 33 - 39

Received: Jun 13, 2024

Accepted: Jun 27, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/pjst-2024-0012

Keywordswomen, physical activity, dietary habits, fat distribution

© 2024 Dmitruk Agnieszka et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
women, physical activity, dietary habits, fat distribution