A 2025 study published in the journal Healthcare (Basel), titled “Physical Activity, BMI, and Their Effects on University Students’ Quality of Life” by Ljubica Lalović, Danijela Živković, and colleagues, examined how exercise and body weight influence students’ overall well-being. The research focused on quality of life as a broad concept, including physical health, mental well-being, social connections, and environmental factors.
The study emphasised that university years are crucial for developing lifelong healthy habits, yet many students remain inactive, posing serious risks to their health. It also highlighted gender differences, noting that factors such as hormones, stress, and body image can shape how weight and activity levels impact quality of life.
The research, which surveyed 495 students (176 males and 319 females), utilised the widely recognised International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to assess activity levels ranging from light to vigorous physical activity.
Key Findings:
• Gender Differences: The study revealed that male students were more likely than female students to engage in moderate to vigorous levels of physical activity.
• Impact on Physical Health: The study found that moderate exercise boosts physical health, while higher body weight can harm it—especially for female students. This highlights the importance of regular activity and a healthy weight in supporting overall well-being.
• Impact on Psychological Health: The study revealed a clear link between body weight, physical activity, and mental health. For men, body weight was a key factor influencing psychological well-being. For women, both low levels of physical activity and higher body weight had a significant negative impact, suggesting that staying active and maintaining a healthy weight are especially important for supporting women’s mental health.
Implications for Tertiary Students in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean
• Enhanced Psychological Well-being: University life can be stressful and may lead to anxiety or depression, but the study shows that physical activity can greatly support mental health. For instance, for University of the West Indies (UWI) students, joining a sports club, participating in recreational activities, or taking regular walks can help manage stress, lift their mood, and promote a more positive outlook during their academic journey.
• Targeted Self-Awareness: The study’s gender-specific findings offer important insights for students. For women, it is evident that higher body weight can significantly impact both physical and mental health, while even moderate physical activity can yield psychological benefits, encouraging healthier and more informed lifestyle choices. For men, the results underscore the importance of maintaining their higher levels of physical activity to preserve strong physical health and social connections.
• Improved Social Integration: The study highlights that physical activity not only benefits health but also helps strengthen social connections. For new UWI students, joining sports teams or fitness classes (such as spinning, aerobics, or aqua-aerobics) is a great way to make friends, build a support network, and alleviate feelings of loneliness. Events like the UWI International Half Marathon and 5K on October 26 offer an ideal opportunity to foster camaraderie and boost self-esteem, both during training and on race day. This does not only apply to students, but also to members of staff. Beyond improving health, such activities contribute to a vibrant and supportive campus community.
The study concludes that staying active and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial for enhancing the quality of life for university students. It also highlights the need for gender-specific health programmes- encouraging women to increase physical activity and addressing the psychological effects of higher BMI, while supporting men in sustaining their activity levels.
By considering both activity and weight, and tailoring approaches by gender, universities can create more effective health initiatives that boost students’ overall well-being and quality of life. The research also lays a strong foundation for future studies and targeted interventions.
