Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to provide information on
anthropometry, body composition and energy intake of adolescents South
Eastern Nigeria. The participants were 190 apparently healthy adolescent
boys and girls aged 15-18 years with equal sex distribution. Participants
were subjected to anthropometric measurements viz: height, weight, arm
circumference and skinfold thickness. Energy intake was determined from
individual weighed inventory for three consecutive days including a
week-end day; part of the food sample was subjected to chemical analysis.
According to the results, all measurements except BMI and arm
circumference had significant differences (p<0.05). Approximately 50%
girls and well over 70% boys failed to meet the recommended weight and
height standards. Over 20% of the adolescents were thin
(BMI<18.5kg/m2). The prevalence of overweight indicated that
about 4% of boys and 2% of girls were at risk of becoming overweight.
Similarly the prevalence of stunting was found to be 67.3% and 57.8% for
boys and girls, respectively. In addition, body fat percent was
significantly higher in girls (p<0.05). The mean intakes for fat,
carbohydrate and energy was significantly higher in males compared to
females (p<0.05). This research provides information concerning
anthropometry, body composition and energy intake of adolescents, South
East Nigeria. The result shows that there was under nutrition among the
adolescents though the extent was higher among adolescent boys than girls,
body composition of the adolescents was equally low. Also protein intake
was grossly inadequate in both sexes. Therefore there is a need for
improvement in the nutritional status among these adolescents.
Ukegbu Patricia Ogechi, Onimawo Ignatius Akhakhia and Ukegbu Andrew Ugwunna, 2007. Nutritional Status and Energy Intake of Adolescents in Umuahia Urban, Nigeria. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 6: 641-646.
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