The associations of total energy, macronutrients intake and meals-derived energy with body mass index

Abstract

Background: In some works, a correlation between the percentage of meals-derived energy intake and the prevalence rate of obesity has been found. Objectives: To explore any possible correlation between body mass index (BMI) and dietary energy, macronutrients intakes and also contribution of meals to energy intake. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which 348 male high school students aged 14-16 from Zarrin-shahr district, Isfahan, were investigated. The selection procedure was based on stratified random sampling from all high schools in the region followed by calculation of BMI (Weight/height2) for each individual. Data on food and nutrient intakes were gathered using a 24-hr dietary recall method. Obesity, overweight and thinness was defined on the basis of CDC 2000. Findings: The data showed that 9% of adolescents were thin, 6% overweight and 5% obese. While there was a positive correlation between total energy intake and BMI (r=0.31 p