Between 1981 and 1996, rates of obesity in Canadian youth aged between 7 and 13 rose from 5% to 16.6% for boys and from 5% to 14.6% for girls (Tremblay & Willms, 2000).

Overweight children are more likely to be overweight or obese as adults, increasing their risk for heart disease. The rising number of overweight and obese children has also increased the incidence of Type 2 diabetes (a disease formerly associated with adulthood) in this population.

The BAAAD Project Web-Based Survey
This increase in youth obesity led to a web-based nutrition and physical activity survey, administered to grade 7 and 8 students throughout Alberta. The survey was designed to measure dietary intake, food behaviours, food beliefs, and physical activity during the previous week.

We analysed the nutrient intake data using the Food Processor SQL (ESHA Research, Salem, OR). We also classified food groups using the serving sizes in Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy Eating (Health Canada, 1992). We used frequency comparisons to analyse data on food behaviours and food beliefs. 

What the Survey Revealed
Preliminary data suggest that approximately 50% of boys exceeded Health Canada’s recommendations for all four food groups. However, the other 50% were below the recommended ranges (Health Canada, 1992). 

Fewer than 50% of girls consumed the recommended minimum levels for all food groups except fruit and vegetables (50% of girls exceeded the recommendations for this food group). Girls’ generally inadequate nutrition is of special concern because teenage girls already experience lower dietary intakes and increased iron losses through menstruation.

The study also analysed results from the “Other” group—a food group consisting mainly of combinations of fat, sugar, and salt. Our analysis showed that approximately 50% of the sample consumed one or more servings from this category (based on the 24-hour food recall information). 

The “Other” foods, which are high in calories and low in nutrients, should be consumed in moderation (Health Canada, 1992). The 50% of the sample consuming these foods risk gaining weight, with all of its associated health risks.

The proportion of total energy intake for both boys and girls fell within the recommendations for carbohydrate, protein, and fat. Total energy intakes for boys were fairly stable across the three age groups—12, 13, and 14-year-old boys consumed approximately 2,400 kcals per day. 
Girls tend to take in fewer calories as they get older. Total intakes for 12, 13, and 14-year old-girls were about 2,050 kcals, 1,850 kcals, and 1,700 kcals. 

This decreased intake puts girls at risk for poor nutrition, especially as girls’ nutritional requirements increase during adolescence due to growth spurts and a rapid increase in bone mass.

The EAR Measurement
Where possible, the study compared students’ micronutrient intakes to the estimated average requirement (EAR). The EAR, used when assessing group intakes, is the nutrient intake estimated to meet the requirements of half the people in a particular life stage and gender group (Barr & Murphy, 2002). 

We used the adequate intake (AI) to compare calcium intake. The AI is a recommended intake level that meets or exceeds the needs of almost all members of a life stage or group (Barr & Murphy, 2002). 
A significant proportion of boys and girls, aged between 12 and 14, were below the EAR for niacin, iron, and folic acid and below the AI for calcium. These nutrients play important roles in growth and development.

Furthermore, the proportion of boys and girls below requirements increased as they got older. Girls’ intakes tended to be more inadequate than boys for each nutrient and at each age group.

Other Results
In addition to food-intake data, we also gathered information about meal frequency, eating out patterns, and food beliefs. Below are a few examples of our data.

• Meal frequency: Approximately 75% of boys stated that they ate breakfast every day. In contrast, only about 50% of girls ate breakfast every day. Fewer than 2% of boys and 4% of girls stated that they never ate breakfast.

• Eating-out patterns: Approximately 50% of both boys and girls ate fast food, restaurant meals, or take-out two to four times a week.
• Food beliefs: More than 75% believe that eating fruits and vegetables will reduce their risk for some cancers.

Summing Up
Youth are undergoing intense physiological growth at the ages in this study. However, our results suggest that many adolescents, especially adolescent females, in Alberta are not meeting their nutritional requirements for growth and development. We would recommend more vigorously promoting healthy eating to this age group, possibly through increasing school and community programs.

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