Picture of Nutritional Status Based on Body Mass Index, Mid-Upper Arm Circumference, and Waist Circumference in New College Students: A Clinical Investigation

Nutritional status, both undernutrition and overnutrition, is a significant public health issue, especially among adolescents and young adults, such as university students. The transition to adulthood, accompanied by lifestyle and dietary changes, makes students vulnerable to nutritional disorders. This study aims to analyze the nutritional status and dietary patterns of college students. A quantitative analytic descriptive design was employed with a total sampling of 678 students from five health faculties. Data were collected through anthropometric measurements, including body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and waist circumference, alongside a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Results indicate that the majority of respondents had normal nutritional status; however, there was a notable prevalence of overweight and obesity. A very strong and statistically significant positive correlation was observed between BMI and MUAC (r > 0.83; p < 0.001) across all age and gender groups. Dietary patterns, particularly the frequency of main meals, showed significant associations with nutritional status based on BMI and MUAC in females (p < 0.05) but were not significant in males. In conclusion, the nutritional status of new university students is predominantly normal, but the risk of obesity is increasing. The significant relationship found between nutritional status and eating patterns in females emphasizes the need for targeted nutrition education and interventions to prevent nutritional disorders among students.