Anthropometric profile and dietetic consumption of high school adolescents from a public federal school - doi:10.5020/18061230.2009.p9

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight among high school adolescents of a public federal school in Rio de Janeiro, considering their caloric intake and quotidian activities. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional, and quantitative study evaluated 100 students (58 males and 42 females), aged between 14 and 17 years, in the period of April and May, 2006. Collected data included measurements of body mass, height, skin folds; the application of a closed questionnaire and a 24-hour dietetic recording. Results: The studied group presented low index of overweight and obesity. There was a strong correlation (R = 0.77) between body mass index (BMI) and triceps skin fold (TSF) in females, for TSF values between 11 mm and 16 mm, with a relevant worsening for TSF values between 16 mm and 22 mm. Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity or overweight in this sample was not observed, even though most of the students did not practice regular physical activities