Evaluation of the relationship between obesity and 14-18 years old adolescents' food consumption, nutrition habits and physical activity status

This study was performed to determine the relationship between obesity and adolescents' eating habits and physical activity levels of aged between 14 and 18 in Bandırma district of Balıkesir province. 156 adolescents, 86 girls and 70 boys, participated in the research. Participants were administered face-to-face questionnaire consisting of general information of 11 questions, health status of 3 questions, physical activity of 4 questions, eating habits of 20 questions and 24 hours of food consumption. Anthropometric measurements were evaluated, physical activity levels and eating habits were determined. The collected data were statistically analyzed in NCSS (Number Cruncher Statistical System) 2007 program. According to the Body Mass Indexes (BMI), %25 of the adolescents (n=39) were below the reference values, %65.4 (n=102) were normal , and %9.6 (n=15) were above the normal value. Fat intake is above the upper limit of 30% due to intensive consumption of fast food products, while participants are under the need for carbohydrate intake in the majority. According to the 24-hour food consumption records, it was observed that vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid and calcium were below the reference value for both genders. Iron intake is adequate for males, while females have an average of 10,61 mg which is below the reference value. The rate of regular physical activity was 52.6% (n = 82). When the activities are examined; aerobic exercises such as walking, running, etc. were observed.The sample of the study is low and the adolescent group examined due to regional characteristics does not bear the risk of obesity. In this regard, there is a need for extensive work with larger samples.