The quantity and quality of food influence the health of the population. (From the Catholic University of El Salvador)
Keywords:
Overweight, obesity, blood chemistry, anthropometric measurements, carbohydratesAbstract
Practicing healthy habits is important to prevent obesity and chronical non-communicable diseases (NCD) with consequent complications. Currently, these diseases are frequent reasons for consultation and are among the leading causes of death in Latin
American region, according to what is stated in the opening speech of the 64th World Health Assembly (MINSAL, 2011).
To conduct this research on healthy habits in the population of Universidad Católica de El Salvador, a sample of 226 people was taken including students and service staff. They were asked about their eating habits, physical activity, and alcohol and tabacco intake.
It was found that 46.89% of the people in study presented overweight or obesity, while consuming a diet high in sugar and fat, and a low consumption of fruits and vegetables, dairy and fish. At the same time, it was found that there is a lack in relation to reading the nutritional label.
