Relationships between physical activity, food choice, gender, and BMI in Southern California teenagers (811.11)

Abstract

More than one third of the adolescent and child population is overweight or obese. It is critical to determine the major underlying causes and how to remedy them to prevent the onset of obesity related diseases. The goal of this survey was to determine the relationship between physical activity (PA), BMI, and food choices in adolescent males and females. One thousand eighty one Southern California teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 were surveyed. Sugary beverage consumption was significantly higher for over weight (OW) teens reporting higher (PA), but significantly lower for normal BMI teens reporting higher PA (P<0.05). Regardless of BMI, those reporting higher PA reported higher vegetable intake (P<0.05). OW teens reported significantly higher fruit intake regardless of PA level (P<0.05). Increased dairy consumption was reported in OW teens, as well as in those with higher PA levels (P<0.005). Protein and legume consumption was higher in the OW groups (P<0.05), regardless of PA. Males reported significantly more PA than females (P<0.001), but no significant gender differences in BMI were detected. Female BMIs were negatively correlated with reported PA (P<0.005). Both male and female OW teens reported significantly higher intakes of sugary and higher fat foods, regardless of PA level, leading us to believe that food intake has more of an effect on BMI than PA. Grant Funding Source: SDSU Nutr 302L