Dietary intake and body mass index among Adolescents of secondary schools in Hilla city

Abstract

Background: During adolescence, many individuals make unhealthy food choices, such as consuming too few fruits and vegetables, drinking excessive sugary beverages, eating more energy-dense foods, frequently dining out with friends, and skipping healthy meals—especially breakfast. They also tend to consume high-calorie, fatty, and sugary fast food options. Nutritional status during adolescence is a critical aspect of the human lifecycle. Nutritional needs and status are influenced by the numerous biological, psychological, and cognitive changes that occur during this period. Aims: To assess the dietary intake of adolescents and identify the association between dietary intake and BMI among adolescents. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed from February 13, 2025, to April 7, 2025. This study was conducted in the Governorate of Babylon on 368 adolescents enrolled in secondary schools in Hilla city. Sixty percent of the participants were in the 15–17 age group. An adjusted questionnaire was used to collect the data, which was analyzed electronically using SPSS version 27. Result: The majority of the sample were female (60.1%). Most adolescents (52.2%) were in the normal weight category, 17.9% were underweight, 20.9% were overweight, and 8.4% were classified as obese. More than half of the adolescents reported poor dietary intake, and females were more likely to be associated with poor diet quality. Conclusion: There was a significant relationship between dietary intake and body mass index. Recommendation: Adolescents must be encouraged to adopt healthy dietary habits, as dietary intake is significantly linked to maintaining BMI within the normal range.