Relationship of Calories Intake and Physical Activity in Adolescents in Colima, Mexico: A Cross-sectional Study

Aims: To identify the relationship between calories intake, physical activity and body mass index in adolescents in Colima Mexico.

Study Design: A cross-sectional study analytic, observational.

Place and Duration of the Study: Colima and Tecoman, Mexico.

Methodology: It was designed in adolescents, of both genders, with a BMI in 85th percentile or greater, where the average daily calorie intake was quantified with the SNUT survey and the level of physical activity with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Anthropometry to obtain the BMI. The stage of change of the trans-theoretical model was identified. Statistical analysis was Pearson's r between calories and BMI and between physical activity and BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure with BMI, and the stages of change.

Results and Discussion: Poor correlation (r = 0.13) but significant linear relationship between calorie intake with BMI (t = 2.01 P = .05) and moderate correlation (r = - 0.41) and significant linear relationship (t =- 6.76, P = .0001) between activities physical and BMI. Between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and BMI, r= 0.28 and 0.34, respectively, with a strong linear trend in both (P = .0001) Of the adolescents, 39.32% were in the action stage (they plan to take actions to improve their overweight / obesity status) and 34% in the pre-contemplation phase (where the adolescent does not plan to do anything about his overweight / obesity).

Conclusion: There is a relationship between daily calorie intake and BMI and a strong negative relationship between physical activity and BMI, and a third of adolescents do not see overweight / obesity as a problem and have not thought of doing anything about modifying their lifestyle to improve their BMI.