Association between dietary habits and body mass index of adolescent females in intermediate schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Obesity among Saudi youth is a growing public health challenge. This cross-sectional study measured body mass index (BMI) and determined the eating habits and lifestyle of 107 randomly selected female adolescent students (age 12–15 years) at schools in Riyadh. The students’ heights and weights were measured and a pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data on diet and lifestyle. The majority of the students’ families had monthly income 10 000 riyals (US$ 1 = 3.75 riyals). About half the students (53.3%) were within normal weight, 28.6% were underweight, 12.4% overweight and 5.7% obese. The majority of the students did not have healthy dietary or exercise habits. There were no significant differences between BMI category and dietary pattern and lifestyle. Increasing educational programmes with healthy dietary concepts to improve the dietary pattern of female adolescents is recommended.