Food consumption among adolescents and biological and adiposity outcomes

Abstract

Objective: to investigate the association between macronutrient consumption and biological and adiposity indicators in adolescents. Methods: A total of 77 adolescents were evaluated in relation to anthropometric measurements, sexual maturation, body composition, sociodemographic variables, and food composition. Results: the percentage of lipids in relation to total energy intake was positively related to age (β = 1.33; 95% CI = 0.37 to 2.28), and inversely related to sexual maturation (β = -2.44; 95% CI =-4.68 to – 0.20). Girls had a higher consumption of lipids than boys (β= 4.59; 95% CI = 0.62 to 8.57). Age was positively associated with the consumption of saturated (β = 0.62; 95% CI =0,30 to 0,94) and monounsaturated fatty acids (β=0.48; 95% CI = 0.16 to 0.79). Sexual maturation was inversely associated with the consumption of saturated (β=-1.7; 95% CI = -2.46 to -0.95), monounsaturated (β = -1.59; 95% CI = -2.34 to -0.84), and trans fatty acids (β = -0.32; 95% CI = -0.34 to -0.00). Fat mass showed a positive association with the consumption of saturated (β = 0.18; 95%CI = 0.03 to 0.32) and monounsaturated fatty acids (β = 0.23; 95% CI =0.091 to 0.38). Conclusion: The consumption of lipids was positively related to age and inversely related to sexual maturation; fat mass was positively associated with the consumption of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. The findings of this study reinforce the concern regarding a high-fat diet among adolescents, especially older girls.