Food and nutrient intake, dietary practices, physical activity, and body mass index of adolescents from lower-income and higher-income households

The goal of this study was to compare the food and nutrient intake, body mass index and the association of dietary practices and physical activity of adolescents from lower and higher income households (less than 185% and greater than or equal to 185% of the federal poverty level respectively).; In almost all comparisons, higher-income adolescents whether male or female, non-overweight or overweight, or in age groups 12–15 and 16–19 years, had mean food and nutrient intakes, dietary practices, and physical activity levels that were significantly higher than those of lower-income adolescents.; Significant associations of dietary practices and physical activity in adolescents from lower-income and higher-income households were found when using chi-square tests (p < 0.0001). Among higher-income adolescent males, 92.0% reported participating in physical activity. Over sixty-eight percent of lower-income adolescent females reported being physically active. More adolescent males from higher-income households reported eating snacks on one occasion during the day.; Overall, based on the comparisons of dietary intakes between lower-income and higher-income adolescents by income level, adolescents from higher-income households exhibited higher mean intakes of the following: protein, carbohydrate, total fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, vitamins A, C, E, and minerals, iron, zinc, calcium, and sodium, fruits, vegetables, grains, skim milk, lowfat milk, total sweets and sugars and added sugars. The dietary practices were better among higher-income adolescents. The body mass index was lower among higher-income adolescents, and the adolescents from higher-income households participated to a greater extent in physical activity. It is recommended that a data set with a larger sample size of adolescents be used to explore different comparisons than done previously. Not only could comparisons be made by socioeconomic status but within race, and other chosen variables in order to target specific areas that can further improve the nutrition and health status of our nation's youth. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...