Adolescents with at-risk eating and lifestyle behaviors are affected by after school schedules across the clinical weight spectrum.

Abstract

Evaluate adolescent lifestyle patterns to develop more effective health promotion programs. An interview approach was employed to gain in-depth understanding of eating and activity behaviors. Adolescents aged 13-18 years (n=43) from clinically normal and obese weight categories were enrolled. Nutrient intake and food group servings were obtained from a food frequency questionnaire. Four participant subgroups were identified and labeled: "Idle, Engaged, Balanced and Working." "Idle" adolescents were sedentary, sometimes napped, and often snacked after dinner. "Engaged" adolescents participated in extra-curricular activities for the majority of their after school hours. "Balanced" adolescents participated in a single after-school activity followed by sedentary time; they consumed meals consistently and often snacked after dinner. "Working" adolescents were the least sedentary with limited sleep duration and inconsistent meals; they often substituted a meal with a snack. Weight status did not differentiate subgroups effectively. Each group demonstrated at-risk behaviors for obesity. Future programs should consider after-school schedules and use activity and meal pattern assessments, not simply weight status, for program tailoring. Pediatric health care providers could identify at-risk behaviors through routine assessment of diet and activity patterns in combination with weight monitoring.