Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare overweight and obesity, eating habits and life style among adolescents from different economic levels.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was undertaken with 588 adolescents from a public and a private school in Campina Grande, PB. They belonged to economic levels A(1), A(2) and B(1)(292) and C, D and E (296), according to the Brazilian Criteria of Economic Classification of the Brazilian Association of Research Iistitutes. Height and body weight were measured and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated; >or= p85 = overweight and >or= p95 = obesity. A questionnaire for assessment of leisure time, physical activity, time spent watching TV and eating habits was administered.

RESULTS:

Overweight and obesity were more common in the higher economic level than in the lower economic one; 31.4% versus 18.1% ; p < 0.001. Leisure time for physical activity was more present in adolescents with A(1), A(2) e B(1) economic status. Watching TVdisclosed no difference between the two economic levels surveyed. Daily consumption of softs drinks, sweets and salty snacks were more common in the higher economic level but this was not associated with obesity. A low consumption of fruits was observed in all economic levels.

CONCLUSION:

Overweight and obesity are frequent among adolescents of Campina Grande, PB, as well as time spent watching TV and unhealthy eating habits, especially among those of the higher economic level.. The amount of time spent on leisure for physical activities was low, especially in the lower economic level.