Association Between Physical Activity Levels and Nutritional Status Among Undergraduate Young Adults at Kabarak University, Nakuru County, Kenya

Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases, yet more than 80% of young adults worldwide fall short of recommended physical activity levels. This study examined the association between physical activity levels and the nutritional status of undergraduate young adults at Kabarak University, Nakuru County, Kenya. Guided by the Social Ecological Model, the study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design. A sample of 396 full-time undergraduate students aged 19 to 25 years was selected through proportionate cluster and systematic random sampling across six faculties, and 240 usable responses were obtained, a response rate of 60.6%. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form, while nutritional status was determined from measured height and weight using World Health Organization Body Mass Index (BMI) classifications. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test of independence at the 0.05 significance level. Results showed that 35.8% of students were physically inactive, while 54.2% had normal BMI, 23.7% were overweight, 8.3% were obese, and 13.8% were underweight. Physical activity level was significantly associated with nutritional status (χ² = 22.34, df = 6, p = .001), and the null hypothesis was rejected. Highly active students recorded the largest proportion of normal BMI (68.1%), whereas inactive students recorded elevated proportions of both overweight/obesity (36.1%) and underweight (18.6%). The university should institutionalize structured physical activity programming and integrate routine physical activity and nutrition screening into student health services.