Abstract

Author(s): Vernetta Santana, Mercedes1; Peláez, Eva Mª1; Ariza, Leopoldo2; López Bedoya, Jesús1

Introduction: In adolescence, the lack of healthy habits is the order of the day, little varied and balanced diets, as well as the lack of physical activity are associated with a risk to the future health of children and adolescents.

Objetive: The objetive was evaluate the adherence to Mediterranean diet in adolescents and the relationship with the Body Mass Index (BMI) and physical activity

Method: Prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive and comparative study was realized where participated 247 adolescents (127 girls y 120 boys), between 12 and 18 years. The adherence to Mediterranean diet was analysed through the KIDMED test and physical activity level was estimated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ short version. The height and weigth was measured of each gymnastics, calculating BMI.

Results: The 66%, of the total sample showed an optimal adherence to Mediterranean diet with a BMI of 20.35 kg / m2 without sex differences.However, the boys showed significantly bigger physical activity level than girls (p≤0.001).

Discussion: No significant relationships were found between variables mediterranean diet, physical activity, BMI and gender.

Conclusion: The habits of the Spanish adolescents in the sample are healthy, presenting the most optimal adherence to the Mediterranean diet, normal values of BMI and in good level of physical activity, being higher in boys.