NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF STUDENTS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE SOUTHERN ARAL SEA REGION

Аннотация

The article studies the actual nutrition and physical development of university students in Nukus under the conditions of the Southern Aral Sea region. The observations were conducted in 2024–2025 among 143 students aged 18–29 years (81 male and 62 female). Actual nutrition was assessed using 24-hour dietary recall questionnaires, and physical development was evaluated by anthropometric methods. It was found that in male students’ diets the protein content was on average 16.1–18.4% and the fat content 19.7–21.2% below the recommended norms, while carbohydrate intake was close to the norm; the ratio of nutrients was unbalanced. Anthropometric indicators (body height, body weight and chest circumference) were lower in female students than in male students. The results of the study can be used to substantiate measures aimed at strengthening students’ health.