N Thakur1, F D'Amico. 1. Department of Family Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA. nthakur@aol.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity in adolescence is increasing. This study determined whether a lack of nutrition knowledge is correlated with obesity in adolescents. METHODS: We distributed a survey at three high schools to 292 9th-through 12th-grade students. The questionnaire examined the students' nutrition knowledge, food-related behaviors, and food preferences. The students' body mass indices (BMI) were calculated from self-reported weights and heights. Obesity was defined as a BMI greater than the 85th percentile, using criteria from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey II. RESULTS: Of 292 students contacted, 289 returned the survey. The population had a prevalence of obesity of 26%. There were no significant differences in nutrition knowledge between the obese and non-obese students with the exception that obese students were better able to identify high-fiber foods. In addition, obese students were more likely to report infrequent meals with their family. Otherwise, there were no significant differences in nutrition behaviors or food preferences. CONCLUSIONS: Overall nutrition knowledge did not differ between obese and non-obese adolescents.
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity in adolescence is increasing. This study determined whether a lack of nutrition knowledge is correlated with obesity in adolescents. METHODS: We distributed a survey at three high schools to 292 9th-through 12th-grade students. The questionnaire examined the students' nutrition knowledge, food-related behaviors, and food preferences. The students' body mass indices (BMI) were calculated from self-reported weights and heights. Obesity was defined as a BMI greater than the 85th percentile, using criteria from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey II. RESULTS: Of 292 students contacted, 289 returned the survey. The population had a prevalence of obesity of 26%. There were no significant differences in nutrition knowledge between the obese and non-obese students with the exception that obese students were better able to identify high-fiber foods. In addition, obese students were more likely to report infrequent meals with their family. Otherwise, there were no significant differences in nutrition behaviors or food preferences. CONCLUSIONS: Overall nutrition knowledge did not differ between obese and non-obese adolescents.
Authors: Marina A Njelekela; Alfa Muhihi; Rose N M Mpembeni; Amani Anaeli; Omary Chillo; Sulende Kubhoja; Benjamin Lujani; Davis Ngarashi; Mwanamkuu Maghembe Journal: Niger Med J Date: 2015 Mar-Apr
Authors: Kiley B Vander Wyst; Megan E Vercelli; Kimberly O O'Brien; Elizabeth M Cooper; Eva K Pressman; Corrie M Whisner Journal: PLoS One Date: 2019-10-24 Impact factor: 3.240