Physical activity and dietary habits among Moroccan adolescents

Objective: The study aimed to detail the lifestyle (physical activity and dietary habits) of Moroccan adolescents.

Design: Cross-sectional study undertaken in the framework of the ATLS (Arab Teens Lifestyle Study).

Setting: Physical activity and dietary habits were determined using a validated questionnaire in public secondary schools.

Subjects: A total of 669 adolescents aged 15.0-19.9 years were randomly recruited from Kenitra, Morocco.

Results: Physical activity patterns and intensity differed between genders. As anticipated, male adolescents were more active than female adolescents across a typical week and engaged in more vigorous-intensity physical activity than female adolescents, who spent more time than male adolescents in moderate-intensity physical activity. Of particular concern was that one in five of the adolescents surveyed was inactive, with almost 45% of the sample reporting television viewing for more than 2 h/d and 38% engaged in computer use for a similar period. From a dietary perspective, most adolescents reported that they do not take breakfast or consume milk and dairy products, fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. In contrast, most reported consumption of doughnuts, cakes, candy and chocolate more than three times per week and approximately 50% consumed sugary drinks more than three times per week.

Conclusions: Based on a continuation of the self-reported lifestyle behaviours, adolescents in the present study are at risk of developing chronic diseases. Education programmes are urgently needed to assist in the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and reduce the likelihood of overweight and obesity and related health risks among young people.