The Influence of Dietary Habits on Somatic Development of Youth and Obesity Risk

Abstract

P-217 Introduction: Slovak republic belongs to countries with the average level of obesity prevalence. According to surveys 23% men and 22% women suffer from obesity. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the children′s population is 16.5%, in youth 12% and it is having an increasing trend. This is due to quantitatively immoderate and unbalanced diet, bad nutritional regimen and disproportion between energy intake and expenditure. Methods: The examined sample comprised 456 university students, 194 men and 262 women (average age 22.47 ± 1.26). Apart from BMI, WHR and % of body fat examinations the energy balance (comparing 24 hours energy intake and expenditure) and dietary regimen were determined in students. The frequency of selected food consumption was assessed by 7-day record. Results: The average values of anthropometric determinants in men and women are in the limits of recommendation. The higher BMI was in 12.3% individuals, the elevated percentage of body fat was in 20.2% individuals. Markedly obese individuals didn′t occur in our sample. The average energy intake in men was 12.59 ± 3.00 MJ, in women 10.49 ± 8.19 MJ (p<0.01); the average energy expenditure in men was 11.23± 2.56 MJ, in women 10.78± 2.02 MJ. Energy balance was positive in 70.1% men and 32% women (p<0.001). Physical activity was insufficient in 55% students. The proportion of proteins (13%) and fat (38%) on energy intake of men was high, the higher proportion of saccharosis (12%) was in women. The content of hidden fat was especially excessive in the university students′ diet (70% from total fat content), which is the result of the bad diet composition. Meat products, for instance, comprise 46% of the total 7-day meat consumption (43% in the diet of women). The consumption of mayonnaise salads, fast food, soft drinks with sugar and candies in women has been also undesirably high. On the contrary the fish (1/3 of the recommended amount), legumes and vegetable, in women also milk consumption has been observed low. Students eat irregularly, 50% don′t eat breakfast at all (especially women), 35% is having lunch sporadically, but 82% have always dinner in the evening (especially men). The inverse relationship between BMI (in fact % of body fat) and energy intake has been observed by correlation analysis. It was confirmed, that individuals with higher body weight have the tendency to underestimate the amount of consumed food. Conclusion: From the standpoint of obesity and health complications prevention it will be necessary to give higher attention especially to risky elements found out in dietary behaviour.