Dietary Fat Intake, Micronutritient and Obesity among Adolescent in Tlemcen (Western Algeria)

Abstract

Background: A number of epidemiological studies around the world have shown that the occurred and the high prevalence of some chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, etc. are mainly caused by a high calorie and unbalanced diet associate with reduced physical activity. In Algeria, as in many emerging countries to improve the standard of living of the population and changes in lifestyle, more westernized characterized by abundant food and sedentary lifestyle especially among young people contribute to the increased incidence of these chronic diseases. Objectives: This work consists of a dietary survey conducted among adolescent boys and girls in Tlemcen (Algeria). Subject and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of dietary intake of adolescent aged 10 - 17 years and anthropometric parameters: weight, height, body mass index. Results: Increased fat intake was associated with increased body mass index in both sexes, increased obesity and abdominal obesity in girls, boys are more active than girls and we observed decreased intake of sugar, the nutritient adequacy ratio of folate, niacin, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium. Conclusion: The early prevention of obesity in children and adolescents is essential in the prevention of chronic diseases in adults. We recommended adolescent by healthy diets towards helps regulate their body weight and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer and especially the girls by lifestyle more active.