Physical Activity Levels And Junk Food Intake Among School Going Adolescents In A North Indian City

Introduction: Physical activity and diet go hand in hand for the maintenance of good health. This becomes even more important in school-going adolescent students as they are readily exposed to a wide variety of junk food items inside or around their school premises and lead increasingly sedentary lifestyles as they progress through their academics. Aim and Objective: Toassess the junk food intake and physical activity level among school-going adolescents. Material and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 800 school-based adolescents aged 12 to 14 years at AMU High Schools, Aligarh. Students were asked about their physical activity and dietary habits by disseminating a self-reported questionnaire. The data were analyzed in SPSS version 20.0. Results: The majority of the adolescents had a moderate level of physical activity (53%), while 23% of the students had high and 24% had low physical activity levels. On the analysis of the students’ dietary habits, it was found that a staggering 70.75% of students had more than the recommended intake of junk food items. The association between physical activity and junk food intake was found to be significant. Conclusion: More emphasis should be given to limiting junk food intake, increasing healthy food intake, and motivating the students to be more physically active. This can be done by encouraging the family as well as teachers at the school level and creating more spaces for children to be physically active at the community level.

Modelo preclínico de obesidad basado en alimentos altamente procesados y de alta palatabilidad / Preclinical model of obesity based on ultra-processed and highly palatable foods

Resumen Introducción: el alarmante incremento de la obesidad en todo el mundo y en Costa Rica responde principalmente a modificaciones en la composición de la dieta habitual de las personas. La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo implementar un protocolo de alimentación formulado a partir de alimentos altamente procesados y de alta palatabilidad (APAP) consumidos por la población costarricense para, luego, evaluar sus efectos en la conducta alimentaria y en parámetros biométricos y bioquímicos. Metodología: ratas adultas macho Wistar se asignaron a dos grupos. Al primero se le administró alimento estándar para roedores (grupo DC) y al segundo, alimentos APAP (grupo APAP), durante ocho semanas. Resultados: a lo largo de ese periodo, los animales expuestos a los APAP exhibieron mayor ingesta y energía, caracterizadas por un alto consumo de grasas y uno menor de proteínas y fibra; además, mostraron un incremento significativo en los diversos parámetros de obesidad (e. g., peso corporal y ganancia de peso, índice de Lee y adiposidad central) y niveles descriptivamente superiores de glucosa y triglicéridos en sangre, pero notablemente menores de colesterol total. Conclusiones: los resultados indican que una dieta basada en los alimentos APAP más frecuentes en la población costarricense es capaz de inducir hiperfagia y obesidad. Así, este modelo constituye una herramienta prometedora para ahondar en el estudio de las factores neurobiológicos y metabólicos relacionados con la obesidad por el sobreconsumo de alimentos APAP.

Abstract Introduction. The alarming increase in obesity both worldwide and in Costa Rica is mainly due to changes in the composition of the usual diet of the population. The goal of our research was to implement a feeding protocol formulated from ultra-processed and highly palatable foods (UPHP) consumed by the Costa Rican population and to evaluate the effects of the UPHP diet on eating behavior and biometric and biochemical parameters. Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were assigned to two groups. One group was given standard rodent chow (DC group) while the other group received UPHP foods (UPHP group) for eight weeks. Results: Throughout this period, animals exposed to the UPHP diet exhibited higher food and energy intake characterized by high consumption of fat and lower consumption of protein and fiber. Animals in the UPHP group also showed a significant increase in obesity parameters (e.g., body weight and bodyweight gain, Lees index, and central adiposity). Furthermore, the UPHP group had descriptively higher levels of blood glucose and triglycerides and significantly lower levels of total cholesterol. Conclusions: Our results indicate that a feeding protocol based on the most frequent food choices of the Costa Rican population is capable of inducing hyperphagia and obesity. This model constitutes a promising tool to delve into the study of the neurobiological and metabolic factors related to obesity induced by overconsumption of UPHP foods.

Consumo de alimentos altamente procesados y de alta palatabilidad y su relación con el sobrepeso y la obesidad / Ultra-processed and highly palatable foods on the development of obesity

Resumen Introducción: la obesidad es un rasgo multifactorial determinado por la interacción de factores biológicos, ambientales, psicosociales y político-socioeconómicos. Propósito: el objetivo de esta revisión descriptiva-exploratoria es discutir el papel del consumo de alimentos altamente procesados y de alta palatabilidad (APAP) en la epidemia de la obesidad, así como presentar algunas propuestas para disminuir su ingesta. Argumentos para la discusión: los APAP se caracterizan por ser energéticamente densos, ricos en grasas y azúcares. En su formulación se utiliza una gran cantidad de aditivos industriales para potenciar su sabor, vida útil y la estabilidad de sus componentes. Suelen contener sustancias químicas conocidas como disruptores endocrinos (EDC) que se transfieren de los empaques al alimento, como el bisfenol A y los ftalatos, y afectan distintas vías de señalización hormonal, promoviendo alteraciones en el metabolismo del tejido adiposo y otros sistemas endocrinos. El sobreconsumo de APAP induce a cambios neuroplásticos en el sistema de recompensa y esto aumenta, a la vez, el número de porciones, con la subsecuente acumulación de grasa corporal; además, dicho abuso causa desbalances en la composición del microbioma intestinal (disbiosis) asociados al desarrollo de obesidad. Conclusiones: el sobreconsumo de APAP incrementa el riesgo de obesidad y enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, máxime si se inicia a edades tempranas. Para contrarrestar esta problemática, se plantea cambiar la estructura de la canasta básica, regular la venta dentro y alrededor de centros educativos, crear mayores impuestos y fortalecer la investigación en obesidad, APAP y EDC.

Abstract Introduction. Obesity is a multifactorial trait provoked by the interaction of biological, environmental, psychosocial, and socioeconomic factors. Proposal: The goal of the present review is to discuss the role of ultra-processed and highly palatable foods (UPHP) in the development of the obesity epidemic through an exploratory-descriptive review and to present some suggestions for controlling its consumption. Arguments for discussion: UPHP are energy dense foods with high contents of fat and sugar. UPHP are formulated with many industrial additives used for enhancing flavor, shelf life, and the stability of their components. UPHP used to contain diverse chemicals known as endocrine disruptors (EDC), which are transferred from packaging to foods, with bisphenol A and phthalates as the most common EDC. The EDC disrupt different hormonal signaling pathways affecting the metabolism of the adipose tissue and other endocrine systems. The overconsumption of UPHP induces neuroplastic changes in the brain reward system that increases their consumption, leading to body fat accumulation. In addition, the overconsumption of UPHP alters the composition of the intestinal microbiome (dysbiosis), which is associated with the development of obesity. Conclusions: The overconsumption of UPHP increases the risk of obesity and its related chronic, non-communicable diseases, especially when consumption initiates during early life. To counteract this problem, we proposed the following actions: changing the structure of the market-food basket, incorporating regulations to reduce the UPHP supply in and around educational centers, creating new taxes upon UPHP, and strengthening the research regarding obesity, and the effects of UPHP and EDC.

The Escalating Health Threats from Ultra-processed and High Fat, Salt, and Sugar Foods: Urgent Need for Tailoring Policy

With its colonial past, and a glaring problem of poverty and hunger, India oft fails to acknowledge a new, rapidly growing problem of overnutrition. With the economic boost and entry of various foreign players from the food industry, Indian citizens have been increasingly exposed to ultra-processed, high in sugar, salt and fat foods (HFSS foods). The last decade or so has seen an exponential rise in the consumption of such foods, leading to increasing prevalence of overweight- and obesity-related illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, etc. In this scenario, examining the efficacy of policy-related measures in reducing consumption of these harmful foods and preventing the associated health issues is paramount. Across the globe, several countries have explored options from taxation on HFSS foods to restricting marketing to children, as well as different practices for front of the pack labeling. In the context of India and its increasing burden of preventable, diet-related illnesses, the urgent need of instituting these preventive policies at national scale cannot be neglected.

Association of nutritional status with dietary and behavioural patterns among adolescents

Background: Changing trends in dietary habits, behavioral patterns, and prevalence of overweight/obesity among adolescents is of great concern.Methods: 6469 school children from five districts of Kerala, India were enrolled. Dietary habits and behavioral patterns were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were recorded and compared with regional Indian Academy Pediatrics (IAP) reference charts. Data was computed and analyzed.  Results: Mean age: Boys 14.51±0.93, Girls 14.42±1.04 years. Male: Female ratio 0.92:1. Practices like missing breakfast, non-compliance to weekly Iron Folic Acid supplementation and not taking exercise >2 hours/week were more in girls. Increased consumption of junk food, screen time >2 hours/week and not sharing life events with parents were more in boys. Mean anthropometric parameters were <50th percentile of reference charts. 6.1% had low BMI (boys, 4.2% vs. girls,7.6%,), 12.3% were overweight (boys, 14.9% vs. girls,10.2%) and 4.4% had obesity (boys, 4.7% vs. girls, 4.2%). Mean anthropometric parameters were higher in more urbanized districts.  Daily consumption of junk food showed significant association with obesity and exercise >2 hours/week with normal BMI.Conclusions: Dietary and behavioral patterns and prevalence of overweight/obesity showed variability with respect to gender and region of residence. 12% were overweight and 4% had obesity. Daily consumption of junk food showed significant association with overweight/obesity and daily exercise >2 hours/week with normal BMI. Health education addressing behavioral change is recommended for better health.

Unhealthy food consumption and prevalence of overweight and obesity of school children aged 6-11 years old / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

Background @#Overweight and obesity are conditions of over nutrition resulting from consumption of more calories than the body requires leading to excess body fat accumulation. The prevalence of both overweight and obesity is increasing globally in all age groups in high, middle, and low-income countries and is largely attributed to the “nutrition transition” with a shift from traditional diets to readily available and inexpensive, low-nutrient unhealthy foods high in energy [1]. </br> The move away from traditional to “junk” foods often occurs at the same time as the move of populations away from daily physical activity and increase in sedentary activities such as time spent in front of a phone, computer, or television, furthering increasing the risk of becoming overweight. People who are overweight or obese are at higher risk for serious health problems including hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some cancers, and osteoarthritis. The increase in overweight and obesity is accompanied by a dramatic increase in prevalence of above mentioned chronic conditions in the worldwide. While the long-term repercussions of overweight and obesity are severe, they are largely preventable and treatable through healthy diets and healthy lifestyle behaviors [2].@*Materials and Methods@#The fifth National nutrition survey (NNSV) was implemented in 21 provinces (aimags) in 4 socio-economic regions (Central, Eastern, Khangai, and Western) and the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Given the regional differences in dietary patterns and nutrition status, target populations were stratified into 5 strata based on 4 regions and Ulaanbaatar with equal samples drawn from each stratum using a cluster-randomized sampling design. In total, 1750 school children data on demographic and dietary information collected by interview methods and anthropometric measurement results were used in this study. @*Ethical considerations@#The survey protocol was discussed at the Scientific Committee of the Public Health Institute (recently named by National Center for Public Health) and granted by order of director of Scientific committee of PHI on 28th June, 2016. Ethical approval for conducting the NNS V was obtained from the Medical Ethics Committee under the Ministry of Health of Mongolia on July 7, 2016. Participation in the survey was voluntary, oral and written informed consent were obtained from adult caregivers of each children. @*Results@#Consumption of unhealthy or junk (high-calorie, low-nutrient) foods in the past week was nearly universal (99.0%) among school children 6-11 years of age. Over half of children (51.4%) consumed junk foods at least once per week and 45.7% consumed junk foods a few times a week. Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was high with 80.9% of children consuming these at least once in the past week. Overall consumption of fried foods was lower than consumption of junk foods or sugar-sweetened beverages with 22.7% of children not consuming any fried foods in the past week and only 8.5% of children consuming fried foods a few times per week. Consumption of sweet foods was high with nearly all children having consumed sweet foods in the past week, 45.9% of children 6-11 years having consumed sweet foods a few times per week. </br> The prevalence of overweight (BMI > +1 SD) was 22.2% and prevalence of obesity (BMI > +2 SD) was 6.4%. Overweight prevalence was higher in boys (26.6%) compared to girls (17.8%) and in urban (23.9%) compared to rural (17.6%) areas with the highest prevalence in Ulaanbaatar (25.6%) compared to other regions. Children 6 years old (26.1%) and 7 years old (25.6%) had a higher prevalence of overweight than older children.@*Conclusion@#</br> 1. Consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks is common to 6-11 year olds group, with almost all children (99.2%) consuming any type of unhealthy foods and drinks at least once per week, in particular, 8 out of 10 children were found consuming sugary drinks and/or deep fried food. </br>2. The consumption of unhealthy foods was not differing by child’s sex, there were revealed significant differences between living area and regions. Proportion of the school children 6-11 years of age was relatively higher in Ulaanbaatar city and urban settings. </br>3. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in school children aged 6-11years sharply increased from 2010 NNS IV level and reached 22.2% and 6.4%, respectively. Among children with obesity consumption of any unhealthy foods and sugary drinks were 1.4–1.9 times higher than nonobese children, respectively.

Defining some potential nutritional determinants of obesity in adolescent population

Background: The basic cause of obesity is over nutrition easy and increasing availability of energy-dense, high-calorie foods/snacks and drinks are one of the factors that could significantly affect children’s energy intake.Methods: All adolescent school going boys and girls in the age group between 10 to 19 years were included as per definition of adolescent. 585 students were selected by systematic sample i.e. every third student was included in the study sample. A pretested standardized questionnaire which consisted of questions related to sociodemographic data and nutrition was used to screen the population for determining association between nutrition and obesity.Results: It can be observed that 28.21% students were vegetarian while remaining 71.79% were having mixed diet. It can be observed from the Table 2 that overweight and obesity are not related to frequency of consumption of meal, It can be seen that 30.97% overweight subjects had frequent junk food. There was a significant association between frequency of junk food and prevalence of overweight as well as obesity. 25.73% Students with overweight and obese subjects were frequent sweet eaters.Conclusions: Vegetarian diet or non-vegetarian diet did not have any effect on prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity in adolescent population. Overweight and obesity are not related to frequency of consumption of meal. There was a significant association between frequency of junk foods, sweets with prevalence of overweight as well as obesity.

Consumption of junk foods by school-aged children in rural Himachal Pradesh, India

There has been an increase in the consumption of junk food (JF) among school-aged children (SAC) possibly leading to obesity and diet-related diseases among them. We do not have evidence on consumption of JF in rural areas; hence, we conducted a study to assess the consumption of JF by SAC in rural, Himachal Pradesh. A total of 425 children in the age group of 12� years studying in 30 government schools (clusters) were included. The clusters were selected using population proportionate to size sampling methodology. We found high prevalence (36%) of consumption of JF among SAC during the last 24 h. Efforts should be taken to reduce the consumption of JF by promotion of healthy dietary habits and educating children about the ill effects of JF.

Factores y determinantes del consumo de comida chatarra en estudiantes de la facultad de medicina, enfermería, nutrición y tecnología medica, La Paz- Bolivia 2016 / Determining factors and junk food consumption of students of the faculty of medicine, nutrition, enfermery and tecnolgy medical, La Paz – Bolivia, 2016

La comida chatarra se ha convertido en parte de los hábitos alimentarios de nuestra sociedad, siendo un factor determinante del sobrepeso y obesidad, entre otras enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, que atentan contra la buena salud que deberían gozar los estudiantes para un óptimo rendimiento académico. Una investigación realizada en Chile a estudiantes mostró que el 58,6 % consume comida chatarra debido a una ingesta inadecuada del desayuno, la omisión de ciertos tiempos de comida; el consumo de alimentos de mala calidad preparados en cafeterías de la misma universidad o lugares aledaños a causa de la falta de tiempo por la distancia hasta sus hogares. La misma realidad se ha observado en nuestra ciudad, de ahí la importancia de realizar y obtener resultados con este estudio. OBJETIVO: Identificar factores y determinantes de consumo de comida chatarra en estudiantes de la Facultad de Medicina, Nutrición, Enfermería y Tecnología Médica de la Universidad Mayor de San Andrés - 2016. METODOLOGÍA: Descriptivo - transversal el análisis estadístico se utilizó SPSS Vr. 19 RESULTADOS: De 100 encuestados 69% son mujeres y 31% varones, el promedio de edad de la población estudiada fue de 22 años, 43% estudian medicina, 58% residentes en La Paz, 59% realiza actividad física, el 28% de las mujeres consume bocaditos, 38% sabe que la comida chatarra causa ECNT y su consumo en La Paz llega al 28% siendo el mayor, 36% consume al menos una vez/semana bebidas gaseosas y el 50,7% del sexo femenino reemplaza el almuerzo por comida chatarra frente al sexo masculino de 48,38%. El consumo de agua es bajo en mujeres, el 32% de 1 a 3 veces/día, el 48% reemplaza el almuerzo por comida chatarra y el 38% de medicina y 28% de nutrición tienen conocimiento de las ECNT que causan la comida chatarra.

Junk food has become part of the eating habits of our society; being a determinant of overweight and obesity are chronic non communicable diseases. According to research students in Chile was observed that 56.8% consumes junk food due to inadequate intake of breakfast, the omission of certain meal times, the consumption of this type of food do in snacks at the university or in surrounding areas because of the lack of time for the trip they make to their homes. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors and determinants of consumption of junk food students of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of San Andres 2016. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using the survey to students of the Faculty of Medicine for the descriptive analysis of data SPSS 19 was used. RESULTS: Sample of 100 students 69% female and 31% are male, The mean age of the study population was 22 years, 43% from medicine, 58% live in the city of La Paz, the total 59% do physical activity, females have a frequency of 28% consumption of snacks, 38% know that junk food causes chronic disease, eating junk reaches 28% in La Paz being the highest, 36% consumes once / week fizzy drinks and 50.7% female replaced by junk food lunch male versus 48.38%. water consumption is low in women of 32% from 1 to 3 times / day, 48% replaces lunch for junk food and 38% medical and 28 % knowledge of nutrition have chronic disease causing junk food.

Association of junk food consumption with high blood pressure and obesity in Iranian children and adolescents: the CASPIAN-IV Study / Associação entre o consumo de junk food e a pressão arterial alta e obesidade em crianças e adolescentes iranianos: o Estudo Caspian-IV

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the association of junk food consumption with hypertension and obesity in a national sample of Iranian children and adolescents. METHODS: This nationwide study was conducted in 2011-2012 among 14,880 students, aged 6-18 years, selected by cluster sampling from 30 provinces. Weight, height, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) were measured. Junk food was divided into four categories, including salty snacks, sweets, sweetened beverages, and fast food. Subjects reported how many times they had consumed each item (daily, weekly, and seldom). RESULTS: The intake of sweets was significantly associated with anthropometric indices and BP levels. Moreover, a significant association was found between fast food consumption, BP levels, and anthropometric indices (except for WHtR and WHR). Sweet beverages consumption was significantly associated with anthropometric indices; however, the consumption of salty snacks was only significantly associated with height, HC, and WHR. The risk of general obesity (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.65-0.87) and abdominal obesity (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.72-0.92) among participants who seldom consumed sweets was less than those who consumed daily. Also, the risk of general obesity (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74-0.97) among students that seldom consumed sweetened beverages was less than subjects who consumed them on a daily basis. CONCLUSION: It was found that junk food consumption increased the risk of both general and abdominal obesity; therefore, consumption of junk food should be reduced via restricting TV advertisements and increasing taxes on junk foods. .

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre o consumo de junk food e a hipertensão e obesidade em uma amostra nacional de crianças e adolescentes iranianos. MÉTODOS: Este estudo nacional foi feito entre 2011 e 2012 com 14.880 estudantes com seis-18 anos, selecionados por amostra em bloco em 30 províncias. Foram medidos o peso, a estatura, a circunferência da cintura (CC), a circunferência do quadril (CQ), a razão cintura/quadril (RCQ), a razão cintura/estatura (RCE) e a pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica (PAS e PAD). A junk food foi dividida em quatro categorias, incluindo lanches salgados, doces, bebidas açucaradas e fast food. Os indivíduos relataram quantas vezes consumiam cada um dos itens (diariamente, semanalmente, raramente). RESULTADOS: O consumo de doces foi associado significativamente aos índices antropométricos e níveis de pressão arterial (PA). Além disso, havia uma associação significativa entre o consumo de fast food e os níveis de PA e os índices antropométricos (exceto RCE e RCQ). O consumo de bebidas açucaradas foi associado significativamente aos índices antropométricos, porém o consumo de lanches salgados foi associado significativamente apenas a estatura, CQ e RCQ. O risco de obesidade geral (RC: 0,75, IC de 95%: 0,65-0,87) e obesidade abdominal (RC: 0,81, IC de 95%: 0,72-0,92) entre participantes que raramente consumiam doces era menor do que naqueles que os consumiam diariamente. Além disso, o risco de obesidade geral (RC: 0,85; IC de 95%: 0,74-0,97) entre estudantes que raramente consumiam bebidas açucaradas era menor do que entre indivíduos que os consumiam diariamente. CONCLUSÃO: Constatamos que o consumo de junk food aumentou o risco de obesidade geral e abdominal; portanto, o consumo de junk food deve ser reduzido por meio da restrição de comerciais de TV e do aumento de impostos sobre esse tipo de alimento. .

Fast food addiction – The junk enslavement.

Research question: What extent do we crave for fast foods Background: Fast foods are consumed in larger quantities intended with persistent desire or futile efforts to minimise or to cease the intake of these items; hence it is called as “FAST FOOD ADDICTION”. Nowadays, there is an uncontrollable craving for excess of quick foods that has lead to significant life style modifications in the society regardless of the age group. In spite of quantum of this problem, there are very few studies from India investigating the addiction towards fast foods. Material and methods: This study was done as a community based cross sectional study at the outskirts of Chennai, India during November 2013 to January 2014 with the objectives of assessing the prevalence and its risk factors of the quick food addiction among adults. Individuals of adult age group were randomly selected and the data’s were collected using direct questionnaire method with proper informed consent. The data was entered in MS excel sheet and analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: Total 541 study participants were interviewed of which 58.8% were males with the mean age of 26 years. Among the study population 82.8% belonged to nuclear family and 65.1% were from class I socioeconomic status. The prevalence of quick food addiction was 30% (160). About 49.2% of people liked KFC as their favourite quick food place. Fast food addiction was significantly associated with male gender (p=0.02), professionals (p=0.000), unmarried (p=0.000), who enjoys quick food (p=0.014), KFC (p=0.003). Conclusion: The prevalence of fast food addiction among adult population in our study was moderately high and hence interventions should be made to create cognizance among the general population about the risk factors and consequences in consuming large amount of fast foods.

Hábito intestinal en adolescentes servicio de gastroenterología Dr. “Alí Rivas” hospital Jesús Yerena de lídice mayo-julio 2006

Los factores de riesgo que conllevan a una mayor incidencia de constipación o estreñimiento son: edad, estilo de vida sedentario, dieta de alto contenido en grasas y azúcar con bajo contenido de fibra. Objetivo: estudiar los patrones del hábito intestinal de una población de adolescentes del oeste de la ciudad de Caracas. Metodología: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, en alumnos adolescentes con edades comprendidas entre 11 y 18 años, de dos colegios privados, de clase media. Resultados: 36,88% sexo masculino y 63,12% femenino. El 71,78% manifestó tener hábito intestinal diario, ínter diario con 20,05%. En la escala de Bristol el 40,84% fue tipo I, 14,6% tipo II, 15,35% tipo III y 29,1% otras combinaciones de la escala. El 58,42% tuvo esfuerzo evacuatorio frecuente y 32,43% algunas veces. 25% tomaba la cantidad igual o mayor a 8 vasos diarios de agua. Discusión: La incidencia de estreñimiento fue de 23,02%, podría estar relacionada con la tendencia al consumo de harinas, refrescos, dulces y al consumo frecuente semanal de comida chatarra. El consumo de frutas diario es de 50% y la gran mayoría no tienen una ingesta adecuada de agua.

The risk factors for constipation are: progressive age, lack of physical activity, a high fat and carbohydrate diet with low amount of fiber. Objective: to describe the normal intestinal patterns of a teenage population in the west side of Caracas, Venezuela. Methods: descriptive transversal cut study in teen age students with ages ranging from 11 to 18 years of age in two private schools. Results: 36, 88% male and 63, 12% females In the Bristol scale, 40, 84% had type I, 14, 6% type II, 15, 35% type III and 29, 1% had a combination of types. 58,42% had frequent evacuatory effort, and 32, 43% sometimes. 25% drank 8 or more glasses of water per day. Discussion: the incidence of constipation was 23, 02%, it could be related to the consumption of processed flour, soft drinks, sweets, and frequent weekly junk food consumption. The daily consumption of fruit was 50% and the majority had inadequate water consumption.