Relationship between Activity Factor and Dietary Intake of Female College Students

Abstract

1. The mean height, body weight and BMI for the female university students acting as subjects of the present study were159.2cm, 51.1kg and20.1, respectively.The subjects were thus taller and thinner than average individuals.
2. The average Af (Activity factor) was1.50, which is a slightly reduced Af based on nutritional intake.The ratio of students with reduced Af (I) or slightly reduced Af (II) was52.8%, while that of students with a desirable Af was38.9%.
3. Subjects with lower Af tended to show a lower basal metabolism.
4. Average energy intake was 1, 696kcal, and 64% of the students did not consume the recommended energy intake.
5. As to the nutritional intake for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, the PFC ratio for breakfast was not favorable.
6. About46%of the subjects regularly consumed a very light breakfast.
7. In subjects with a reduced Af, the nutritional intake for breakfast tended to be low.
8. The results of the present study demonstrate that individuals who consume more nutritious breakfasts tend to be more active.Further investigation into the current state of practical dietary education including diet is required in order to determine whether such education enables female university students to reexamine and manage their lifestyles by taking steps such as increasing the intensity of Af.