Dietary factors and physical activity of obese and non-obese adolescent girls

ABSTRACT

Two groups of High Nursing School Girls, 40 obese, and 34 non-obese controls of matched age, height, grade, and socio-economic status, were compared with regard to dietary intake and physical activity. The anthropometric measurements showed a highly significant mean body weight, body mass index [BMI] and relative body weight. The skinfold thickness of the obese group in the following sites biceps, triceps, sub scapular, and abdominal were significantly higher than that of non-obese girls. The most clear cut finding in the present study is that the obese group consumed significantly more calories, protein, fat and carbohydrate than their non-obese peers. Also the results showed that the majority of the obese girls categorized as less active compared to the non-obese controls. It appears that overeating and physical inactivity are important factors in the occurrence of obesity among the girls of this community