Clustering of excess body weight-related behaviors in a sample of Brazilian adolescents

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify the existence of clusters in multiple lifestyle behaviors, including consumption of fruits/vegetables, sugary products/soft drinks, physical activity and sedentary behavior. The association between identified clusters and excess body weight in a sample of adolescents from Dourados, Brazil, was examined. This is a cross-sectional school-based study involving 578 participants aged 12–18 of both sexes. Anthropometric measurements were performed and a questionnaire was applied with structured questions to collect data. Excess body weight was identified through body mass index. Cluster analysis was performed to identify sex-specific clusters of multiple lifestyle behaviors. Analysis of covariance and logistic regression were used to analyze associations between clusters and excess body weight. Six clusters were identified in both sexes. Girls and boys in the cluster characterized by greater time spent in sedentary behavior were 53% (OR = 1.53 [1.06–2.26]) and 63% (OR = 1.63 [1.12–2.35]) more likely to present excess body weight compared to their peers in the reference cluster. In the case of adolescents in the cluster characterized by high consumption of sugary products/soft drinks, girls were 47% more likely to be overweight (OR = 1.47 [1.05–2.13]) and boys were 51% more likely (OR = 1.51 [1.05–2.16]). High consumption of fruits/vegetables, low consumption of sugary products/soft drinks and less sedentary behavior was considered the most effective combination for the maintenance of a healthy weight.