Published
11 July 2022
  • Journal article

Body weight in relation to hours of sleep, and physical activity in Latin American university students during the Covid-19 pandemic

Authors
Meza-Miranda, Eliana Romina; 
Parra-Soto, Solange Liliana; 
Durán-Agüero, Samuel; 
Gómez, Georgina; 
Carpio-Arias, Valeria; 
Ríos-Castillo, Israel; 
Murillo, Ana Gabriela; 
Araneda-Flores, Jacqueline ; 
Morales, Gladys; 
Cavagnari, Brian M.; 
Nava-González, Edna J.; 
Bejarano-Roncancio, Jhon Jairo; 
Núñez, Beatriz; 
Cordón-Arrivillaga, Karla; 
Mauricio-Alza, Saby; 
Landaeta-Díaz, Leslie 
Source
Journal of American College Health

Abstract

Introduction: Short sleep, physical inactivity, and being locked up are risk factors for weight gain.

Objective: We evaluated weight gain according to sex, age, hours of sleep and physical activity in university students from 10 Latin American countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Cross-sectional and multicenter study (n = 4880).

Results: The average age was 22.5 ± 4.4 years. 60.2% were currently locked up. 73.6% were women, 48.2% increased their body weight, 66% reported insufficient sleep hours, and 65.9% were inactive. Women gained more weight than men (73.2%) and younger students gained more weight (85.1%). Those who had insufficient sleep hours gained most weight (67.6%). Inactive participants gained most weight (74.7%). Students who have insufficient sleep are 21% more likely to have changes in body weight compared to students who have optimal sleep.

Conclusion: The increase in body weight and its risk factors during confinement should be considered as emerging from public health.

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Cite as

Meza-Miranda, E., Parra-Soto, S., Durán-Agüero, S., Gómez, G., Carpio-Arias, V., Ríos-Castillo, I., Murillo, A., Araneda-Flores, J., Morales, G., Cavagnari, B., Nava-González, E., Bejarano-Roncancio, J., Núñez, B., Cordón-Arrivillaga, K., Mauricio-Alza, S. & Landaeta-Díaz, L. 2022, 'Body weight in relation to hours of sleep, and physical activity in Latin American university students during the Covid-19 pandemic', Journal of American College Health. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2089848

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Topics
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Diet, healthy weight and physical activity Education
Keywords
COVID-19 Health behaviour Sport and exercise Education
Publisher
Taylor and Francis
Source repository
University of Glasgow
Last updated: 28 September 2023
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