Assessment Of Dietary Patterns, Physical Activity & Nutritional Status of Adolescents Studying in Private Schools of Lahore, Pakistan

Introduction: Adolescence is the phase of life between the ages of 10 and 19. Food habits established during adolescence remain stable throughout life, affecting nutritional status and health. An estimated 80% of adolescents have multiple risk factors related to diet, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour. Objective: This study was carried out to assess the dietary patterns, physical activity and nutritional status of adolescents studying in private schools of Lahore, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 400 adolescents studying in private schools of Lahore, Pakistan and data was collected through a self-structured questionnaire, composed of three parts (personal information, dietary history & physical activity patterns). For BMI calculation, height and weight were measured. Data analysis was done through SPSS version 23. Results: The study indicates that 58.3% of adolescents had a normal BMI, 27.5% were underweight, 10.5 % were overweight, and 3.8% were obese. From all the individuals 65.0% skipped meals whereas only 47.3% consumed breakfast regularly. Moreover, consuming snacks per day (64.0%) and eating junk food once per week (73.8%) was common among adolescents. Furthermore, 23.3% of adolescents engaged in low levels of physical activity, 65.0% in moderate levels, and only 11.8% had high physical activity levels. Conclusion: Approximately half of the adolescents studying in private schools of Lahore had a normal nutritional status however the other half were malnourished. More than 50% of the adolescents skipped breakfast daily, ate junk food once a week and followed a lifestyle consisting of low-moderate physical activity. Therefore, to reduce the double burden of malnutrition, it is necessary to spread awareness and educate adolescents and the community about healthy dietary and lifestyle practices. KEYWORDS: Adolescents; Nutritional Status; Dietary Patterns; Physical Activity; Pakistan