Association between dietary habits and body mass index of adolescent females in intermediate schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Obesity among Saudi youth is a growing public health challenge. This cross-sectional study measured body mass index (BMI) and determined the eating habits and lifestyle of 107 randomly selected female adolescent students (age 12-15 years) at schools in Riyadh. The students' heights and weights were measured and a pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data on diet and lifestyle. The majority of the students' families had monthly income > 10 000 riyals (US$ 1 = 3.75 riyals). About half the students (53.3%) were within normal weight, 28.6% were underweight, 12.4% overweight and 5.7% obese. The majority of the students did not have healthy dietary or exercise habits. There were no significant differences between BMI category and dietary pattern and lifestyle. Increasing educational programmes with healthy dietary concepts to improve the dietary pattern of female adolescents is recommended. RÉSUMÉ L'obésité chez les jeunes saoudiens est une préoccupation de santé publique croissante. La présente étude transversale a mesuré l'indice de masse corporelle puis a déterminé les habitudes alimentaires ainsi que le style de vie de 107 adolescentes sélectionnées aléatoirement (âgées de 12 à 17 ans) dans des collèges à Riyad. Le poids et la taille des collégiennes ont été mesurés et un questionnaire prétesté a été utilisé pour recueillir des données sur leur alimentation et leur style de vie. La majorité des familles des collégiennes disposait d'un revenu mensuel supérieur à 10 000 riyals (1 USD = 3,75 riyals). Environ la moitié des adolescentes (53,3 %) avaient un poids normal, 28,6 % souffraient d'insuffisance pondérale, 12,4 % présentaient une surcharge pondérale tandis que 5,7 % étaient obèses. La majorité des collégiennes n'avaient pas d'habitudes alimentaires ni sportives saines. Aucune différence significative n'a été observée entre la catégorie d'indice de masse corporelle, les habitudes alimentaires et le mode de vie. Une intensification des programmes d'éducation présentant des concepts sur une alimentation saine visant à améliorer les habitudes alimentaires des adolescentes est recommandée. Department of Community

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Association between body mass index, diet and dental caries in Grade 6 boys in Medina, Saudi Arabia

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