Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and weight status in first-year university students: A cross-sectional study in Spain

Monitoring physical activity and sedentary behaviour in university students is relevant due to prolonged sitting and potential musculoskeletal and metabolic health risks. Regular physical activity may be a non-invasive strategy to prevent obesity and reduce inactivity-related health problems. Objectives To assess physical activity and sedentary behaviour levels in university students and to examine associations between activity patterns, BMI-defined obesity, and musculoskeletal risk indicators. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 821 first-year university students. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour were assessed with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire across work, transportation, and leisure domains. Sedentary behaviour was recorded as sitting time and interpreted as an indirect indicator of musculoskeletal risk. BMI-defined obesity was calculated from self-reported height and weight. Differences across academic fields were analysed using analysis of variance, two linear regression models explored predictors of BMI and sedentary behaviour. Results Physical activity ranged from 2886 to 3365 metabolic equivalent minutes per week across academic fields. Overall, 13.6% of students did not meet the minimum WHO physical activity recommendation (<600 MET-min/week). BMI-defined obesity prevalence was low (1.9%–4.2%). In the body mass index model, only gender was significant, with men showing higher values (B = −0.740, p=.004). In the sedentary behaviour model, physical activity was inversely associated with sedentary behaviour (B = −0.105, p < .001). Conclusions 13.6% did not meet recommended physical activity levels. Male participants showed higher BMI values than females, while sedentary behavior showed small academic field-related differences. Objective measures are needed to confirm long-term implications.