Factors associated with serum lipids of adolescents from the Brazilian South

Abstract

Objective: This study analyzes factors associated with serum lipids in adolescents from southern Brazil. Methods: This is a school-based cross-sectional study with a probabilistic sample composed of 660 adolescents aged 14 to 19 years from the city of Três de Maio, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. The following independent variables were analyzed: body mass index; waist-to-height ratio; moderate to vigorous level of physical activity; sedentary behaviour; lipid, total saturated fatty acid, cholesterol, sodium, and fiber intakes; smoking; and alcohol abuse. Linear regression analysis tested the association between the independent variables and total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Results: Body mass index was directly associated with total cholesterol (β=0.96, p=0.001) and reversely associated with high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (β=-0.45, p<0.001). Conclusion: High body mass index may have a negative impact on the lipid profile of adolescents. Thus, monitoring nutritional status is important to prevent and control dyslipidemia in adolescents. We suggest multidisciplinary and intersectoral actions that encourage teenagers to acquire a healthy lifestyle, with emphasis on the adoption of an active lifestyle and balanced diet.