Comparación del estado nutricional, consumo habitual de alimentos y hábitos de actividad física en escolares de primero básico -primero medio de la ciudad de Taltal, Chile

Abstract

The article compares the nutritional status, food consumption and physical activity habits in students. Method: Using a prospective descriptive design, anthropometric exploration was conducted and 225 schoolchildren were surveyed (94 primary and 131 high school students), after assent and informed consent. Results: Over half (53.8%) had a BMI outside the normal range, namely: 30.6% overweight, 19% obesity and 4% severe obese. The combination of breakfast and tea time foods was high in fats. This combination being much higher in primary school students. Moderate fat snack combinations were preferred by males, unlike women who consumed high fat snacks. Among primary school children, 68% performed regular physical activity, compared to 58.2% of high school students. No significant differences were found in the anthropometric and eating habits variables between primary and high school students, except in physical activity practice among women. Conclusions: Overweight and obesity affected a large part of the sample. We observed a preference for foods with a high fat content and physical activity decreased between primary and high school.