Índice de masa corporal y consumo máximo de oxígeno: análisis correlacional y diferencias según sexo y edad de estudiantes universitarios

Introduction: The assessment of university students’ health requires complementary indicators such as Body Mass Index (BMI) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), which objectively reflect nutritional status and cardiorespiratory fitness. Objective: This study aimed to determine the strength of the association between these two variables. Additionally, variations in these indicators according to sex and age were examined to identify relevant physiological differences. Methodology: A quantitative, observational, cross-sectional design with a correlational scope was applied. The non-probabilistic sample consisted of 309 students enrolled in the Sports Complementation program at the Universidad Técnica del Norte, located in Ibarra (2,220 m above sea level). VO₂max was estimated using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1), and BMI was calculated following standardized anthropometric protocols. Results: A low negative correlation was found between BMI and VO₂max (r = −0.234; p < 0.001). No significant differences in BMI were observed by sex; however, VO₂max was significantly higher in men (p < 0.001) and showed a significant decline in the older age group. Discussion: The low shared variance suggests that BMI is a limited predictor of cardiorespiratory fitness and that unmeasured factors (e.g., body composition and physical activity levels) may modulate this relationship. Conclusion: BMI and VO₂max coexist in an inverse manner, although with limited explanatory magnitude; therefore, the assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness should be complemented with more specific indicators than BMI.