[Study of the anthropometric and nutritional characteristics of adolescents in the city of Valladolid].

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: A description of the anthropometric characteristics of a sample of adolescents from Valladolid and the analysis of dietary intake of the population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational study of descriptive cross-field of a sample of 557 adolescents (14-18 years) by probabilistic sampling from 6 public and private, in different districts of Valladolid. We carried out a food frequency questionnaire with anthropometric measurements. The classification of individuals was by calculating the Z-score of body mass index (BMI), the Cole´s cutoff points for BMI and criteria of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Nutritional analysis: probabilistic approach and the nutrient adequacy ratio. RESULTS: Excess weight is similar in both sexes (17%), but there is a 15.2% prevalence of underweight among the women studied, compared to 4.5% in males (p<0.005). 1.3% risk of having metabolic syndrome. Energy consumption is distributed: 30-32% fat, 45% carbohydrates and 16-17% protein. The nutritional deficiency likely reflects consumption in iodine, zinc, vitamins A and E. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of obesity is close to that of other series, but the prevalence of overweight is lower. It is very important percentage of women with a BMI below normal for their age and sex. There is an excess of protein intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, with a deficit in the consumption of carbohydrates, iodine, zinc and vitamins A and E.