A cross-sectional study on assessment of physical activity level and anthropometric indicators of health risk among students of sixth year of Faculty of Medicine of Sarajevo University

Overweight and obesity are major public health issues worldwide. There is increased risk of obesity‐related morbidity due to accumulation of abdominal fat. Regulation of body weight depends on physical activity and diet. Young adulthood is very critical period due to a tendency to gain weight and adopt poor dietary and exercise habits. This study aimed to investigate the relationships of the anthropometrical parameters with physical activity domains in everyday life and sedentary behavior among students of sixth year of the Faculty of Medicine of Sarajevo University. A cross-sectional study was conducted during May 2020. The survey covered 56 students, aged 24, who responded online to questionnaire. A self-administered questionnaire composed of two blocks of questions. In the first block of the questionnaire, questions were related to sex, and anthropometric measures. The second block referred to the practice of physical activity (vigorous, moderate, and walking), and sitting during seven days. The data collected were processed by the descriptive statistical procedure. Overweight and obesity was found at 11(19.65%). In sample 46.43% performed vigorous intensity activities that meet with WHO criteria, 58.93 performed moderate intensity activities that meet with WHO criteria, and 39.29% performed walking activities that meet with WHO criteria. There were positive, statistically significant difference between indicators of abdominal obesity and the average time spent during 7 days in vigorous physical activity. Health and physical educators can utilize these findings to better understand that physical activity, trying to balance diet and activities.