Nutritional status and physical activity in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old in an Educational Unit in the City of Ambato

Abstract

Adolescence is a biological process mediated by two major stages: development and growth. These stages are subject to increased nutritional demands and promote the proper progression of anthropometric and body composition indicators, linked to dietary habits and physical activity levels as fundamental pillars. This article aims to analyze the nutritional status and physical activity of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years from an educational institution in the city of Ambato, identifying the possible relationship between these factors. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted, employing Pearson's correlation analysis and a multiple linear regression model. One hundred and two adolescent participants were evaluated using various anthropometric measurements and validated questionnaires. The results showed a positive correlation between increased body mass index and central relative adiposity, while the participants' mean age and physical activity level were negatively correlated. The relationship between height-for-age and physical activity level was positive. The findings are consistent with current literature in confirming that central adiposity and cardiometabolic risk in adolescents are associated with dietary habits and levels of physical activity