Physical activity, lipid consumption and risk factors for atherosclerosis in adolescents

Abstract

Background: Atherosclerosis is the coronary disease that most often affects the adult Brazilian population. Although it is a predominantly adult disease, the risk factors can appear in young individuals. Objective: To verify the association between the physical activity level (PAL) and the consumption of lipids with the risk factors for atherosclerosis in adolescents. Methods: A total of 260 boys and 237 girls aged 10-18 years were assessed. The PAL was estimated based on the activity record proposed by Bouchard et al. The consumption of lipids was assessed through the food frequency questionnaire developed by Sichieri and Everhart. Blood pressure was measured using a mercury-column sphygmomanometer. Total cholesterol (TC), HDL-c and triglycerides (TG) were measured by the enzymatic-colorimetric method. LDL-c was calculated by Friedewald's formula. The statistical analysis was carried out through logistic regression, with a level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Regarding the PAL, 17.3% of the boys and 22.6% of the girls were classified as sedentary. As for the diet, 54% and 48.6% of the boys and girls, respectively, presented a consumption of lipids above the recommended level. Boys with high TC and LDL-c levels had a higher OR to be sedentary than their more active peers. High levels of LDL-c were associated with the excessive consumption of saturated fats in both sexes. Conclusion: The results reinforce the previous evidence that young people must be encouraged since an early age to adopt a more physically active lifestyle, associated to more adequate dietary habits.