Dietary intakes and food habits of adolescents in Northern Greece

The purpose of this study was to assess the dietary intakes and food habits of 582 adolescents in Northern Greece. Anthropometric data have been colle cted for all the participating adolescents. The prevalence of obesity as de termined by both body mass index (BMI) and triceps skinfold thickness (TST) was higher for boys than for girls. Furthermore, boys had higher energy an d macronutrient intakes compared to girls. Of total energy intake, 41% for boys and 43% for girls was derived from fat. Energy intake was found adequa te whereas fat intake was much higher than recommended. A percentage of ado lescents also had lower than recommended iron, vitamin A, folate and zinc i ntakes, showing an unbalanced diet.