ABSTRACT
Adolescence is an important stage in life for establishing dietary habits. There is little evidence on adolescent dietary patterns and related risk factors. The aim of this study was to determine food patterns among Tehranian adolescents and any associations to anthropometric measures and blood pressure. In this study, 507 adolescents, aged 10 to 19 years, were assessed. Dietary intakes were evaluated by means of a validated semi-quantitative questionnaire, and anthropometric indices [weight, height, and waist circumference] and blood pressure were measured and recorded. The Kriska physical activity questionnaire was used for determination of physical activity levels. Using principal component analysis with varimax rotation for 21 food groups, two dietary patterns were derived. In the healthy dietary pattern, whole grain, low fat dairy and vegetables, and in the unhealthy pattern, sweetened drinks, fast food and refined cereal pattern were included. Significant differences were observed in the healthy dietary pattern between boys and girls, as well as, among different age groups. There was significant association between the unhealthy dietary pattern scores and physical activity [P<0.05]. After adjustment of confounding factors, significant associations were found between unhealthy dietary pattern scores and body mass index and waist circumference [P<0.05]. However, no significant association was observed between blood pressure and the two dietary patterns. Adherence to unhealthy dietary patterns was an important determinant in increase in body mass index and consequently in central obesity among adolescents