Anthropometry and Food habits in adolescents between 15 and 19 years

Abstract

Obesity, overweight and underweight have been more prevalent in adolescence. Such diseases are known as risk factors for various pathologies. This study aims to understand the prevalence of obese and low weight adolescents, as well as to identify their dietary patterns and analyze the perception of body image they have about themselves and their relatives. This is a cross-sectional study involving adolescents aged 15 to 19 years old of a public school in Juiz de Fora – MG. A self-administered questionnaire referent to their food habits and perceptions was used, as well as weight and height measurement of these students, for a BMI estimate. A rate of 11.1% thin adolescents and 7% obese or over weighted adolescents was found. The low weight group consumes less energetic food, both the underweight and the obese showed low consumption of “regulating” food. Overweight adolescents ingest little constructor food. Most individuals that affirm eating little or very little are underweight. Considering the highest BMI values, a bigger proportion of individuals that declared eating more was identified. Such data is important in elaborating strategies to fight off eating disorders in adolescents, not only by interventions, but also by a wide awareness of this population concerning healthy life habits.

Keywords: obesity, overweight, thinness, adolescent, food habits