Skip to content

Join the All Ireland Obesity Action Forum

Sign up

Join the All Ireland Obesity Action Forum

Sign up

Join the All Ireland Obesity Action Forum

Sign up


Longitudinal study of changes in body mass index, anthropometric measures, dietary intake and physical activity in cohorts of school-going Irish adolescents

Decorative image

  • Project start date: 1 October 2004
  • Project status: Completed
  • Project type: Nutrition
  • Discipline: Nutrition surveillance
  • Author/s: Dr Nora O’Brien & Dr Tom O‘Connor, University College Cork
  • Collaborator/s: Single supplier

Research objective

Longitudinal study of changes in body mass index, anthropometric measures, dietary intake and physical activity in cohorts of school-going Irish adolescents

Worldwide, the prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing. Obesity in adolescence is a strong predicator of adult obesity. This project involved a longitudinal study over a 3-year period of changes in Body Mass Index (BMI) and other anthropometric measures together with information on dietary and exercise patterns in a cohort of students in the junior school cycle.

A similar longitudinal survey was conducted in a second cohort of students in the post-junior cycle. This generated new data on the adolescent age group 12-18 yrs. This data is important in understanding the evolution during adolescence of changes in anthropometric measures and dietary and exercise patterns, which tend to be maintained into adulthood where they have a major impact on chronic disease.

 

Outputs

Research report

  • Title: Longitudinal study of changes in body mass index, anthropometric measures, dietary intake and physical activity in cohorts of school-going Irish adolescents
  • Publication date: 1 May 2009
  • Summary: A 3-year longitudinal study of anthropometric, dietary and exercise parameters was carried out annually (2005 - 2007) in 3 Irish secondary schools.
  • Findings:

    Overweight and obesity were at relatively low levels in these adolescents. 

    • Height, weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences and TST increased significantly over the 3 years.
    • Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) decreased significantly over time. Boys were significantly taller than girls across the 3 years.
    • A 3-day weighed food diary was used to assess food intake by the adolescents. Analysis of dietary intake data was determined using WISP©.
    • Mean daily energy and nutrient intakes were reported. Mean daily energy and macronutrient intakes were analysed longitudinally.
    • The adolescents' diet was characterised by relatively high saturated fat intakes and insufficient fruit and vegetable consumption.
    • The dietary pattern did not change significantly over the 3 years.
    • Boys consumed more energy than girls over the study period.

    A validated questionnaire was used to assess physical activity and sedentary activity levels.

    • Boys were substantially more active and had higher energy expenditure estimates than girls throughout the study.
    • A significant longitudinal decrease in physical activity levels among the adolescents was observed.
    • Both genders spent more than the recommended amount of time (hrs/day) pursing sedentary activities.

    The dietary pattern in these Irish adolescents is relatively poor. Of additional concern is the overall longitudinal decrease in physical activity levels. Promoting consumption of a balanced diet and increased exercise levels among adolescents will help to reduce future public health care costs due to weight-related diseases.




Other outputs

PhD Thesis

This PhD thesis is available through University College Cork: Longitudinal study of changes in body mass index, anthropometric measures, dietary intake and physical activity in cohorts of school-going Irish adolescents

Safefood Logo

Sign up for our family focused healthy eating and food safety news.

Safefood logo

The site content is redirecting to the NI version.

Confirm