Physical Activity and Mediterranean Diet: A Focus on University Students’ Habits

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Abstract
Background: Physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits are among the major global public health concerns, contributing significantly to the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity (PA) and dietary choices among undergraduate university students in Southern Italy. Methods: The cross-sectional survey was carried out through an anonymous web-based questionnaire. Results: Among the 500 university students who agreed to participate, only 3.4% of students reported regularly consuming five or more portions of fruits and vegetables per day, while 43.8% consumed 3–5 portions of starchy foods. Regarding fats, 31.2% reported consuming 2–3 portions of olive oil or butter per day. Men and those not having a health problem in the previous 12 months were less likely to adhere to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on PA. Older students, those who consumed at least 5 meals per day, and those who acquired information from at least one source of information were more likely to adhere to the WHO recommendations on PA. Conclusions: Targeted initiatives promoting regular PA and healthy diets are essential to improving students’ health and well-being.

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