CHD Risk Factors & Lifestyle parameters of Malaysian Adolescents.

Abstract

A direct relationship exists between rising living standards and weight-gain/health-related problems. This has become increasingly widespread resulting from increases in socioeconomic development and changes in lifestyle, related to physical, and behavioral health. The purpose of this study is to determine and further evaluate the differences in physical activity level, dietary habits, sleeping duration, body composition, and fitness level between Malaysian adolescents at international and public schools, in relation to gender. Method: Two hundred and ten Malaysian students from international and public schools in Kuala Lumpur, male and female age 14-16 years old, participated in this study. Physical activity questionnaires were used to estimate the daily/weekly physical activities levels. Body composition was determined by percentile/age BMI and measurements to percent body fat. Fitness level was assessed by using the 20m shuttle run test.Results; females had higher percent body fat and BMI than males; females do more low intensity activities than males. There are differences on %fat, low intensity METS, and VO2 max between Malaysian student studying at public and international schools.