BEHAVIORAL AND NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT OF TEENAGERS FROM VARNA

Abstract

Adolescence is a key stage of life through which the patterns for physical activity, nutrition, and other health habits form. Aim: Evaluating the eating behavior of 401 high-school students from varna studying in 12th grade (11.2% of the whole group, used as a representative sample). Methods: FFQ (food frequency questionnaire) on 37 food groups, questionnaire for eating attitude, IPAQ (validated questionnaire for the physical activity in the last 7 days), anthropometrical measurements (height, weight, BMI). Results: Roughly 70% of students in 12th grade who are underweight, overweight (OW), or obese ate regular breakfast, compared to 84% of those with normal weight. This was the most commonly skipped meal of the day. We found a statistically significant correlation between BMI in boys and eating breakfast regularly. (r=-0.473**, p<0.001). Skipping breakfast is quite common (49,7%) among OW girls. Its correlation with BMI is also significant (r=-0.492**, p<.001). White bread and other bakery products are consumed very often by both genders. Consumption of fruits and vegetables, milk (51,3%), and fish (68%) is low amongst adolescent girls. In contrast, male students have at least 2 portions of milk or milk products daily (94,5%). This finding correlates positively with their BMI (r=0.401**, p<0.001). There is a normal BMI in 60.7% of female and 67.2% of male students (18,5-24,9кg/m2). 23,5% of female students in 12th grade are underweight, especially those with physical activity that is higher than average (38,9%). Conclusion: Large percentage of the female students in 12th grade wish to lose bodyweight, including those in the underweight group. Low self-esteem and restrictive dieting can increase the risk of eating disorders in young girls.