Body Fat Percentage and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Female Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Body fat percentage is a crucial determinant of physical fitness, particularly cardiorespiratory endurance, commonly assessed through maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max). Excess body fat has been linked to impaired aerobic performance. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body fat percentage and VO₂max among female medical students.

Methods: An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted involving 96 female students aged 18–21 years from the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Inclusion criteria included the ability to ambulate independently and a low level of physical activity as determined by the Baecke Questionnaire. Exclusion criteria were balance disorders, physician-diagnosed cardiopulmonary disease, or lower limb injuries. Body fat percentage was estimated using the Relative Fat Mass (RFM) method, and VO₂max was assessed via the Queen’s College Step Test (QCT). Data were analyzed using Spearman’s rho correlation test.

Results: Analysis revealed a moderate negative correlation between body fat percentage and VO₂max, which was statistically significant (r = –0.497; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: A moderately strong and significant inverse relationship exists between body fat percentage and VO₂max among female medical students. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining an optimal body composition to support cardiorespiratory fitness in young adults.