Original scientific paper
BODY COMPOSITION, MUSCLE STRENGTH, DIET QUALITY AND EATING HABITS OF STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ZAGREB, CROATIA
Lara Cišper
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Ines Panjkota Krbavčić
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Ivana Rumora Samarin
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Diet quality directly influences body composition, specifically the proportions of muscle, fat, and visceral fat. Elevated levels of body fat increase the risk of chronic, non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The Mediterranean diet is considered a sustainable model for preventing chronic diseases. This study aimed to assess the diet quality and body composition of 38 university students (63% female; mean age 24.4 ± 1.4 years) with varying levels of formal nutritional knowledge from four different faculties (social sciences, humanities, kinesiology, and nutrition) in Zagreb, Croatia. The Mediterranean diet served as the model for optimal diet quality. Data collected from May to September 2024 included anthropometric measurements (height, body weight and composition, and circumferences), three-day food diaries (analyzed using Prehrana software and the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (MDQI)), a short questionnaire on health and dietary habits, and dominant handgrip strength testing (using Camry EH101 and Jamar Plus dynamometers). Students were generally adequately nourished (mean BMI: 23.2 kg/m²), with moderate muscle strength (Camry: 32.4 kg; Jamar: 33.2 kg), which was significantly higher in males (43.5 kg/44.4 kg) than in females (25.9 kg/26.6 kg). Average energy intake was 1869.8 ± 559.8 kcal, with a high percentage of fat (41%), a low percentage of carbohydrates (40.5%), and low fiber intake (7.7 g/1000 kcal). MDQI scores placed all students in the moderately poor adherence category (range: 8.7 to 10), characterized by high fat and low fruit and vegetable consumption, although Nutrition students demonstrated the best diet quality. Finally, the Camry EH101 proved to be a cost-effective alternative to the Jamar Plus dynamometer.
Keywords
body composition; muscle strength; dietary habits; students; MDQI
Hrčak ID:
349979
URI
Publication date:
31.7.2026.
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