Changes in Body Composition Among University Students During Exam Preparation: The Role of Dietary Habits and Physical Activity

Bad dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles alter body composition, increasing disease risk. We conducted a prospective, comparative, longitudinal observational study among nursing students (n=72, 79.2% female, mean age 21.94 years) from Complutense University of Madrid. Data were collected at two periods: before exams (January 2024) and during exams (May 2024). Body composition was assessed via bioimpedance (Beurer BF 1000), dietary habits through modified Kidmed survey, and physical activity using IPAQ. 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 minutes/day, p<0.001). Our findings suggest dietary deterioration and reduced physical activity during exams adversely affect students’ body composition.