Weight, diet and physical activity habits of Turkish adolescents living in a semi-urban area of Istanbul: gender differences

Background and aims: The aim of this study was to investigate weight, diet and activity habits among adolescents in a semi-urban area of Istanbul. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 369 adolescents aged 11-14 years and recorded 72-hour food consumption. After basic socio-demographic information was obtained, a questionnaire was applied to all students, asking for family history, consumption of fast food, exercise and sedentary activity habits, diseases and some symptoms related to obesity. Height and weight were measured. A BMI (kg/m(2)) >= 85(th) percentile was defined as excessive weight and a BMI >= 95(th) percentile was defined as obesity. Energy intake and macronutrient variables were calculated by a dietician with BeBis dietary program. Results: Individuals who were having excessive weight represented 15.0%. More girls than boys were of excessive weight (p=0.046). There were no differences for obesity between sexes. The amount of protein and fat intake was higher for boys than for girls (p=0.003, p=0.001). Boys were physically active more frequently than girls (p=0.03). A logistic regression analysis revealed that eating at least 3 meals per day was inversely related to excessive weight in both boys and girls (p=0.009, OR 0.277, 95% CI 0.105-0.730; p=0.036, OR 0.430, 95% CI 0.195-0.946, respectively). Conclusions: We found some differences regarding weight status, macronutrient intake and physical activity habits between the sexes. It is very important to encourage a habit of at least three meals per day and physical exercise, especially for girls in order to decrease the obesity rate in our region. Obesity and Metabolism 2010; 6: 94-99