Calidad de los hábitos alimentarios (adherencia a la dieta mediterránea) en los alumnos de educación secundaria obligatoria

Planetary health diet versus usual diet in adolescents. How do food and physical activity influence academic performance?

Introduction

Objective: to analyze the relationship of the similarity of planetary health diet and habitual diet with the practice of physical activity on the academic performance of adolescent high school students by gender. Method: 877 adolescents were evaluated. The diet is reviewed through the 24-hour reminder. Physical activity was classified according to type of activity, frequency, duration, and intensity using the APALQ questionnaire. The caloric intake of adolescents was compared with the proposal of the EAT-LANCET commission, and the relationship between physical activity and diet with academic performance was again established. Results: Mexican adolescents do not comply with the proposal of a planetary health diet. No relationship was found between physical activity and academic performance. On the other hand, animal proteins rich in fats are consumed doubly according to the recommendation; these and whole grains, both are inversely related to better academic performance. Conclusions: Mexican adolescents are far from consuming a planetary health diet. Physical activity was not related to academic performance, but there is an inverse relationship between fat-rich animal proteins and whole grains in relation to subjects that contribute to academic performance, which suggests that a healthy diet such as the planetary diet proposal could have an impact on environmental sustainability and favorably impact the academic performance of adolescents.

[Evaluation of food habits and physical activity in Galician students]

Introduction

Introduction: obesity causes millions of deaths each year. Its high prevalence in children and adolescents from southern European countries, including Spain, is associated with the new food preferences and decreased physical activity. Objective: to evaluate diet quality and physical activity in Galician schoolchildren in order to assess if modifying the current intervention strategies in lifestyles is required. Methods: in the present study, 662 students from the south of Galicia were studied (9-17 years). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as adiposity indicator. The dietary pattern was evaluated through the Kidmed test and physical activity with PAQ-C. The sample was stratified by BMI according to Cole international standards. Data were analysed with the SPPS software. Results: fifty-six per cent of children are at high risk of overnutrition or need to improve their nutrition. The average adherence to the Mediterranean diet was low (7.64 ± 2.28), worsening with age and adiposity significantly. The average level of physical activity was moderate (3.02 ± 0.74) and it was lower in girls and adolescents; 58% showed a low-moderate level of physical activity. Quality diet was positively correlated with physical activity and negatively with BMI. Conclusions: Galician students showed a diet and physical activity risky pattern according to international/national recommendations. After several years of awareness campaigns and lifestyle interventions, improving their diet and increasing physical activity is still necessary.

[Nutrition and gastronomy in the Community of Navarra]

Introduction

Introduction: Navarra is a Community that presents a great geographical and climatic variety, which results in a wide food supply. Objectives: to review the typical gastronomy of Navarra, as well as the available evidence on dietary patterns, nutritional profile and health indicators of Navarra population. Results: Navarra has 7 Protected Designations of Origin and 6 Protected Geographical Indications. Its gastronomic identity is mainly associated with vegetables, lamb, veal and local sausages, which is reflected in dietary patterns. Comparatively, Navarra population consumes more vegetables and fresh fruits, but also has a frequent and excessive intake of meat (especially red) and sausages. The studies available on nutritional profile show high intakes of proteins and fats in the adult population, and inadequacy in some micronutrients in children. In the national context, Navarra has lower rates of overweight, obesity and sedentariness in the adult population, and there is a downward trend in the prevalence of childhood obesity. Conclusions: the food and gastronomic offer of Navarra is varied and with a great prominence of vegetables, although dietary patterns can be improved. To achieve a healthy and sustainable diet, it is essential to promote culinary knowledge and skills from an early age.

Familia, escuela y adherencia a la dieta mediterránea en infancia y adolescencia

La infancia y la adolescencia representan dos etapas de vital importancia para el desarrollo de las personas, por lo que parece imprescindible consolidar una serie de patrones que reporten beneficios a corto y largo plazo. La obesidad y el sobrepeso infantil son factores de riesgo que aumentan la probabilidad de sufrir ciertas patologías, pudiendo evitarse, en gran medida, con unos adecuados hábitos alimenticios, como la adherencia a patrones alimentarios de estilo Mediterráneo. El análisis de contenido bibliográfico de algunas de las investigaciones más recientes permite confirmar el impacto que algunos factores como familia o escuela tienen sobre la misma. 

Relationship between Healthy Lifestyle and Sociodemographic Factors in Adolescents in Catalonia: Application of VISA-TEEN Questionnaire

Introduction

There is a clear relationship between the way of life and the health of individuals, and therefore, we can speak of healthy and unhealthy lifestyles. There are different surveys and questionnaires that evaluate the lifestyles of adolescents, but none of them offers a final score that can quantify the healthfulness of an adolescent’s lifestyle. It was with this goal that the VISA-TEEN questionnaire is developed and validated. The objective of this study is to apply the questionnaire to a sample of adolescents who attend school in Catalonia to evaluate the healthfulness of their lifestyles and to relate the scores obtained to different sociodemographic variables.

Methods

Cross-sectional study. A total of 2,832 students from 25 schools in Catalonia responded to the questionnaire. A descriptive analysis was performed, calculating the mean (Standard deviation), median (p₂₅, p₇₅), and confidence interval. The results were calculated for the total population, factoring according to gender, age, urban/rural population, origin (native/immigrant), and family wealth, which was based on the Family Affluence Scale (FAS II). The significance of the difference was calculated for each factor with the appropriate statistical test.

Results

For the total score of healthy lifestyle, the youngest students and those with the highest family wealth obtained higher scores. With respect to eating habits, girls scored higher than boys, and higher scores were observed in natives and those with high family wealth. For physical activity, boys scored higher, as well as younger individuals, natives, and those from rural areas. With respect to substance abuse, the worst scores were found in older individuals, students from rural areas, and natives. The rational use of leisure technology was only associated with age (worsening scores with older age). Lastly, hygiene was better with girls, decreased with age, and was worse with natives than immigrants.