Impact des changements du régime alimentaire sur l’état nutritionnel des adolescents dans la région d’Ain Témouchent

Abstract

Adolescence is an important and sensitive stage in human life, as it is the period of puberty and basic growth, which requires attention to the quality of nutrition. The adolescent's diet is crucial because it must cover its needs in order to grow, move and develop physically and intellectually. It is proven that nutritional factors are the main causes of the onset of chronic diseases. Among these diseases is obesity. The objective of this study is to understand the impact of dietary changes on the nutritional status of adolescents in the region of Ain Témouchent, the study conducted on 103 adolescents who answered 4 questionnaires (socio-economic, clinical, food knowledge, frequency of food consumption). Nutritional status is assessed based on body mass index. The adolescents surveyed have an average BMI equal to 23.2 (kg/m²) which is included in the interval (23.0 to 28.0) (kg/m²), therefore according to WHO standards, adolescents considered to be overweight. The BMI of adolescents in the region of Ain Témouchent are high. Changes in dietary habits favoring fatty products and free sugars are, among other things, determinants of obesity. It appears from this study that adolescents are overweight. Nutritional management based on nutritional education and regular physical activity should help reduce excess weight and fight against risk factors. This study confirms the nutritional transition that affects the country like other developing nations.