[Nutritional model and nutritional behaviors depending on BMI value among students of the Collegium Medicum of Jagiellonian University in Cracow]

The aim of this work was the estimation of the way of nutrition and incorrect nutritional behaviors among students of Collegium Medicum at Jagiellonian University. There were 538 students of Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Care Department of Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University Cracow included in the examination. We estimated: the way of nutrition on the basis of the questionnaire by Starzynska including menu estimation. the frequency of incorrect nutritional behaviors on the basis of standardized version of modified questionnaire (Eating Disorders Inventory-EDI), weight-height proportions by calculation of BMI values in all cases. Underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²) was observed in 52 examined persons (9.7%), correct weight-height proportions were observed in 416 persons (77.3%), overweight and obesity (BMI 25-34.7 kg/m²) in 70 persons (13%). The comparison of three distinguished groups considering BMI showed statistically important differences (chi 2 test–p < 0.01) in the amount of meals consumed per day. Less than 3 meals per day were eaten more frequently by persons with underweight (21.15%) than by persons with correct body mass (11.56%) and overweight (7.14%). In the aspect of frequency of consumption of particular groups of products statistically important differences between groups with underweight, normal weight and overweight were not stated. Nevertheless many incorrect attitudes in the way of nutrition were noticed. 32% of students consumed animal proteins in less than 75% of all eaten meals per day, 32% of students did not eat milk products or cheese every day. 36% ate fruit and vegetables once a day or even less. Only 26% of persons ate whole-meal bread, cereals or pulse every day. Feeling angry or powerless was more often experienced by students with underweight than with normal weight or overweight. On the other hand eating something during studying and feeling better after eating was more often visible by students with overweight than by students with correct or too low values of BMI.