Factors associated with nutritional status and body composition in police personnel: the influence of age, gender, physical activity, and personality traits

Chillpa Almanza S.X.; Luna Choquehuanca A.K.; Berroa Garate H.C.; Paredes Cardenas M.E.; Quico Cano D.A.; Rivera Portugal M. · Nutricion Clinica y Dietetica Hospitalaria (2026) · DOI: 10.12873/ncdh-2026-104

Resumen

Introduction: Nutritional status and physical activity are key determinants of health in police personnel exposed to demanding working conditions. Personality traits may influence these habits. Objectives: To analyze the association between nutritional status, physical activity, and personality traits in police personnel from a district in Arequipa using multiple linear regression models adjusted for age and gender. Material and methods: Cross-sectional analytic study in 171 officers (census sampling). Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat percentage were assessed; physical activity (IPAQ); and personality (Big Five Inventory-15p). Multiple linear regression models were fitted. Results: The prevalence of overweight was 55.6% and obesity 23.9%. A total of 71.9% had elevated body fat and 56.8% had high/very high cardiovascular risk. The predominant traits were agreeableness (84.8%) and conscientiousness (86.0%). In the adjusted models, age (B = 0.080; 95% CI: 0.037-0.123; p < 0.001), gender (B for waist circumference = 6.60; 95% CI: 2.99-10.21; p < 0.01), and physical activity (B for BMI = -0.64; 95% CI: -1.27 to -0.01; p < 0.05) were significant predictors. The R2 values for the models were 0.130 (BMI), 0.317 (waist circumference), and 0.222 (% body fat). Discussion: The findings confirm that age, gender, and physical activity are the main factors associated with body composition, while personality traits do not exert an independent effect. Conclusions: Age, gender, and physical activity are significant predictors of nutritional status. Personality traits showed no independent association, suggesting that interventions should prioritize physical activity and biological factors.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa