Impact of Exams on Diet, Physical Activity, and Body Composition in University Students

Abstract

Background: Bad dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles alter body composition, increasing disease risk. Methods: We conducted a prospective, comparative, longitudinal observational study among nursing students from Complutense University of Madrid. Data were collected in two periods: before exams (January 2024) and during exams (May 2024). Body composition was assessed via bioimpedance (Beurer BF 1000), dietary habits through the modified Kidmed survey, and physical activity using the IPAQ. Results: During exam preparation, fat mass significantly increased (25.43% to 28.79%, p = 0.016), muscle mass significantly decreased (39.70% to 36.20%, p < 0.001), and visceral fat rose notably (2.34 to 3.52, p < 0.001). Students exhibiting poor dietary quality increased (54.2% to 80.0%, p < 0.001), vigorous physical activity dramatically decreased (84.7% to 11.1%, p < 0.001), and sedentary time increased significantly (408.24 to 543.61 min/day, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings suggest dietary deterioration and reduced physical activity during exams adversely affect students’ body composition.