Weight Status and Body Composition in Freshman Students at the College of Applied Sciences “Lavoslav Ruzicka” in Vukovar, from 2008 to 2016

Aim: Aim of the study is to analyze prevalence of different weight categories among freshmen students at College of Applied Sciences L. Ruzicka in Vukovar, and to assess their body composition. Methods: During the period from 2008. to 2016. 710 freshmen students (461 females and 249 males) were measured for height and weight. Body composition was assessed by bioelectric impedance analysis. Results: Most of the subjects were normal weighted (74.5%). Distribution across the weight status categories is significantly different for males and females (p<0.0001). Prevalence of underweighted was higher in females (8,9%) than in males (2%). Males had more over weighted individuals (25.7% vs. 15.4% for females). Prevalence of obesity among overweighed was similar in both sexes (5.4% for females, 5.2% for males). There was no significant difference in distribution across weight categories through the years of measurement (p=0.9). Conclusion: Most of the students at College of Applied Sciences are in normal weight category. Prevalence of overweight is higher among males, while prevalence of underweight is higher among female students. Prevalence of obesity and overall distribution across the weight categories, as well as body composition, in freshmen students have not changed during the period from 2008. to 2016.