Abstract
Adolescence represents a very crucial phase in the human life cycle. During this period adolescents develop individual lifestyle habits. as a result, and in the absence of data concerning the above characteristics, in the Beni Mellal-Khénifra region, we leaded a cross-sectional survey of growth ,food and hygiene behaviour conducted among a sample of 812 adolescents, including 404 boys attending school aged 13 to18 years, Furthermore, the objective of this study was also to verify among college students of the region the prevalence of moderate physical activity levels, unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary behaviour, in order to determine the risk factors related to the physical inactivity. The prevalence of physical activity was 36.08% (50.0% among boys and 22.06% among girls). Nearly 40% of these adolescents spend more than 2 hours a day in front of the screens. Unhealthy dietary habits are more frequent among adolescents and the majority of them consume Fried potatoes (fries and chips) Doughnuts/cake, Sugary drinks more than three times a week. These results show significant associations between physical activity, sedentary habits and some unhealthy dietary habits.
Highlights
The advantages of a healthy lifestyle are well-recognized
A considerable body of epidemiological evidence indicates that individuals who engage in sedentary behaviour on a high volume regardless of their physical activity levels, are at increased risk of disease and death (Proper, 2011)
The purpose of our study is to report on the prevalence of moderate physical and sedentary activity, and unhealthy dietary habits among Moroccan adolescents in secondary school, which generally covers an age ranging from 13 to 18 years
Summary
The advantages of a healthy lifestyle are well-recognized. They reduced the risk of obesity, type II diabetes, coronary heart disease and stroke, and colon and breast cancer. A considerable body of epidemiological evidence indicates that individuals who engage in sedentary behaviour on a high volume regardless of their physical activity levels, are at increased risk of disease and death (Proper, 2011) This phenomenon described initially in developed countries has reached developing ones as these latters changed radically their life style or are in nutritional transition (Popkin, 1994). The purpose of our study is to report on the prevalence of moderate physical and sedentary activity, and unhealthy dietary habits among Moroccan adolescents in secondary school, which generally covers an age ranging from 13 to 18 years These formative years of adolescence represent a decisive phase in the human life cycle, as they are the stage when lifestyles are well established, during which adolescents become more autonomous and have more access to lifestyle choices. Adolescents increase their social interaction with their peers of the same age and develop individual lifestyle habits patterns
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