[Evaluation of the dietary habits of polish medical students in their first year of studies].
One of the most important factors involved in normal growth, maturation, physical activity and mental state is nutrition. Correct patterns formed in youth are necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the dietary habits of medical students. The material consisted of data collected from an anonymous survey distributed among first year students of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry (66 men and 177 women). The study used a questionnaire of our own design, consisting of open and multi-choice questions concerning the anthropometric data of subjects and nutritional habits. The questionnaire was developed based on the HBSC international standard questionnaire survey on health behaviour in adolescents. Data were analyzed statistically. The prevalence of obesity was generally not observed in the group of examined students. In most cases body mass index was in the range 18.5-24.99%. Obesity was observed only in men. There were no significant differences between the groups of men and women in terms of the frequency of regular meals during the week. Only about 50% of the study population declared regular consumption of the three main meals. Significantly more women than men used slimming diets, and significantly more men took action to control weight. Analysis of the results showed abnormal patterns in the structure of meals. It is extremely important to educate future doctors in healthy lifestyle, including correct nutrition, through educational programmes during studies.