Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is a critical period of growth and development, and inadequate nutrition during this period may increase the incidence of obesity, sexual maturation delay, high blood pressure and osteoporosis in adulthood. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity and some dietary factors associated with it in adolescent high school girls in Lahijan, north of Iran. Materials and methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 400 students were selected by random stratified sampling from 12 schools. Data collected were demographics status, 24-hour dietary recall, food habits and food frequency questionnaires were completed for all samples. Weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated. BMIs at or above the 85th and 95th percentiles for age and sex (based on WHO standard) were classified as overweight or obese, respectively. Data were analyzed by the SPSS program and ANOVA, chi-square and pearson correlation tests. Results: The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity were 4. 7%, 14. 8% and 5. 3%, respectively. Mean energy, carbohydrate and fat intakes were significantly higher for overweight/obese girls than for under weight and normal weight ones (P<0. 0001). A significant positive correlation was observed between consumption frequencies of fried and fast foods with BMI (respectively: r=0. 24, P<0. 0001 and r=0. 19, P<0. 0001). Conclusion: High energy, fat and carbohydrate intakes as well as consumption of fast and fried foods were associated with BMI in adolescent girls. Hence, more attention must be given to improving the nutritional status and dietary patterns of adolescents through policy making, nutritional education and implementing changes in nutritional styles.