[Association of anthropometric indices with some dietary factors of high school girls in Lahijan]

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. 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. 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]. 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

[Pattern of fat distribution [waist to hip ratio] and its relationship with BMI among high school girls in Lahijan]

Obesity is one of the most important public health problems of adolescents in developed countries. Recently, the prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically among adolescents of developing countries as a result of changes in life style and rapid growth of urbanization of societies. Considering that adolescent obesity is related to an increased adult morbidity and mortality, the present study was carried out in high school girls aged 14-17 years living in Lahijan in 2000-2001 to determine the pattern of fat distribution and its relationship with Body Mass Index [BMI]. In this descriptive-analytical study, 400 students were selected by random stratified sampling. Weight, height, waist and hip circumferences were measured and BMI and WHR were calculated. Data were analyzed using the SPSS program and Pearson correlation and ANOVA tests. The prevalences of obesity and overweight were 5.3% and 14.8%, respectively. On the basis of WHR, 21.5% of subjects and 66.7% of obese girls had a central pattern of fat distribution. A significant positive correlation was found between BMI and WHR [r=0.35, P<0.0001]. Results showed that in obese adolescent girls, fat deposition occurs in the body's centeral regions. Since central obesity has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, implementation and monitoring of individual and groups nutritional and physical activity programs is recommended for this age group. [as individuals and groups]