Comparison of adolescents' nutritional status, chronotypes, total and added sugar intake and sources

This study aimed to determine the sources and amounts of added sugars in overweight, obese, and normal-weight adolescents and to investigate the relationship between added sugar consumption and physical activity, chronotype, and nutritional status. It included 481 adolescents between the ages of 10 and 18, 258 of whom were normal-weight and 223 overweight or obese. The questionnaire included general information, anthropometric measurements, eating habits, food consumption frequency, Daily Rhythm Determination Scale for Children, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and 24-hour food consumption record. In normal-weight adolescents, the most common sources of added sugar were chocolate/wafers, followed by ice cream. In contrast, in overweight and obese adolescents, ice cream ranked first, and chocolate/wafers ranked second. Carbonated drinks, fruit milk with cocoa, and fruit juices were among other sources of added sugar. The percentage of daily energy from added sugar was 6.35% in normal-weight adolescents and 6.52% in overweight and obese adolescents, and there was no statistical difference (p=0.740). As sitting time increased, the amount of sucrose and added sugars in energy increased between groups (p<0.05). Screen time and daily sitting time were found to be higher in overweight and obese adolescents. Among overweight and obese adolescents, those with late chronotype had higher rates of daily consumption of sugary drinks and longer screen time (p=0.007 and p<0.001, respectively). It is found that ice cream, chocolate, and wafers are the primary sources of added sugar and that long screen and sitting time and late chronotype affect adolescent obesity. Further studies are needed. Keywords: Adolescent nutrition, added sugar, chronotype, screen time, sitting time