Is Fruit and Vegetable Intake Associated with Body Composition Among Pakistani Adolescents?

Abstract

Background

Adequate fruit and vegetable consumption during childhood is essential in promoting healthy eating habits and can reduce the risk of obesity and non-communicable diseases in adulthood.

Aim

To determine the prevalence and association between fruit and vegetable (FV) intake and body composition among adolescents in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from 2016 to 2018 among 537 adolescent students in six districts of Karachi. Demographics and fruits and vegetable intake were assessed using structured questionnaires, while body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BF %) were measured using a bioelectric impedance scale. Association was determined using chi-square test, and logistic regression tests were conducted to calculate the risk of low FV with body composition.

Results

Out of 537 participants, inadequate intakes of FV (<3 servings) were observed in 38.7% of adolescents. Low intake of FV was significantly associated with age >15 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.77, [95% CI: 1.53–2.12]), female gender (AOR: 1.53, [95% CI: 1.04–2.25]), having moderately high BF% (A. OR: 1.70, [95% CI: 1.64–4.53]) and excessively high BF% levels (AOR: 3.63, [95% CI: 1.04–12.62]). Determinants such as BMI, parent’s education level and parent’s occupation status were not found to be associated with low intakes of FV.

Conclusion

Low intake of fruits and vegetables may have implications on the nutritional status of adolescents. We recommend that focused measures be taken by public and private stakeholders to generate and implement policies to induce positive behavior changes towards the consumption of FV intake, leading a healthier lifestyle.

Keywords:

• malnutrition
• non-communicable diseases
• body fat percentage
• Pakistan

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge faculty and BS Nutrition students of DUHS for assisting in data collection. Thanks to all study participants, schools, parents for their willingness to participate.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by National Research Program for Universities (NRPU) grant no. 4489 by Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan.