BMI, pre-exercise meal timing, and running performance in college students: A mediation model
Keywords:
BMI, pre-exercise meal timing, running performance, mediation model, college studentsAbstract
Background: Body Mass Index (BMI) is widely used as an indicator of body composition and nutritional status, yet its interaction with nutritional habits—particularly pre-exercise meal timing—remains underexplored among college students. Understanding these relationships is important for promoting active and healthy lifestyles within this population. Objectives: This study aims to test a mediation model in which pre-exercise meal timing serves as a potential mechanism linking BMI to running performance among college students. Methods: This quantitative study involved 213 college students who completed an online questionnaire reporting self-reported BMI, pre-exercise meal timing, and running pace (minutes per kilometre). Mediation analysis using the PROCESS macro (Model 4) in SPSS with bootstrapping procedures was applied to examine the mediating role of pre-exercise meal timing. Results: BMI was positively associated with running pace, indicating that higher BMI values were linked to slower running performance. The model explained 24.3% of the variance in running pace (R² = 0.243). The indirect effect of pre-exercise meal timing was minimal and not statistically significant (B = −0.004, 95% CI [−0.010, 0.001]), suggesting a limited mediating role. Students with higher BMI tended to consume meals closer to exercise time, reflecting potential behavioral differences. Conclusion: Although the mediating role of pre-exercise meal timing was negligible, BMI remained a significant predictor of running performance among college students. These findings suggest that physiological factors may play a more prominent role than short-term dietary timing in endurance outcomes. Campus health interventions may benefit from integrating body composition management with balanced nutritional strategies to enhance student fitness and well-being.
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Author Biographies
Muhammad Fahmi Hasan, Department of Sport Science, School of Pharmacy, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
Tommy Apriantono, Department of Sport Science, School of Pharmacy, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
Marisa Noviyanti Fajrah Ilsya, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Sport and Health Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, Indonesia
Gifran Rihla Gifarka Latief, Department of Sports Science, School of Pharmacy, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
Agung Dwi Juniarsyah, Department of Sports Science, School of Pharmacy, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia
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Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Fahmi Hasan, Tommy Apriantono, Marisa Noviyanti Fajrah Ilsya, Gifran Rihla Gifarka Latief, Agung Dwi Juniarsyah
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Accepted 2026-02-22
Published 2026-04-07
