Assessment of nutritional status, dietary habits and physical activity of adolescents in Bandar Abbas, Iran

Introduction: Formation of certain food patterns are affected by food habits in childhood and adolescence period, which would be the indicator of adequate nutrients intakes for growth, development and health in future. The aim of this study was to assess weight and physical activity status and determine food habits in high school students. Methods: In this study cross sectional study, 800 students who studied in public high school of Bandar Abbas were selected by a stratified randomized sampling. Demographic data and physical activity questionnaire were completed, height and weight were measured by a standard method using stadiometer and weighing scale, BMI (Body Mass Index) was calculated and compared by CDC 2000 growth chart curves. Results: Mean age of boys and girls were 16.1&plusmn;1 and 15.6&plusmn;0.9 years, respectively. Overall prevalence of underweight and overweight/obesity were 10.1% and 14.5%, respectively. Leisure time physical activity and TV watching were significantly different between two genders (P<0.05). Weight, height and BMI were higher in boys than girls. Most adolescents consumed lunch and mid-morning snack frequently. Frequency in consumption of dairies, fruits and vegetables were significantly lower than the recommended amount in food guide pyramid. Ice cream, egg, potato, and bread were the most consumed food items between the food items of dairy, meats, vegetable and grains groups, respectively. There was not any relation between parents' education level and students' physical activity or fruits and vegetables consumption Conclusion: It seems necessary to modify nutrition patterns by education and use programs for intervention in the patterns of physical activities in high school students.