Change in physical activity levels, satisfaction with life and nutritional status: a cohort study in Chilean university students between 2013 and 2023

The change in lifestyle during university is linked to the adoption of unhealthy habits by young people, such as an increase in sedentary behavior and a decrease in the level of physical activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of physical activity, life satisfaction and basic anthropometry over a ten-year interval by comparing two samples of university students (2013/2023). The sample consisted of 421 students, 327 from 2013 and 94 from 2023. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected, with measurements of body mass, height and waist circumference. The level of physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire- Short Version. Life satisfaction was measured by the Life Satisfaction Scale. The 2013 students had better anthropometric measurements in terms of BMI and waist circumference (WC). Significant differences were found in BMI (p<0,001, d =0,60) and WC (p<0,003, d =0,50). The proportion of students who reached the recommended level of PA was higher in 2023 (94,7%) compared to 2013 (70,1%) (chi(2)((2))=82,3; p<0,001, V =0,44) . The distribution of CC categories also differed between the cohorts (chi(2)((2)) =35,1; p<0,001, V =0,29), being more favorable for the 2013 sample. Life satisfaction was higher in the cohort 2023, with a higher proportion of students showing moderate to high levels of satisfaction (71,5%in 2023 v/s 44,6% in 2013). The main findings of this study indicate a trend in recent years towards a higher prevalence of overweight, obesity and decreased life satisfaction and increased sedentary behavior.