Associations between dietary intake and physical activity, as behavioral indicators, with body fat in adolescents from Mexico

Introduction: the prevention of cardiometabolic diseases is currently a priority due to its relationship with COVID-19 complications. Unhealthy lifestyles, like inadequate diet and physical inactivity, are the cornerstone for obesity and cardiometabolic risk. Objective: to examine the association between diet and physical activity with body fat in Mexican adolescents. Methods: the study was cross-sectional. Data included socio-demographic variables, health history and smoking habit obtained through questionnaires; blood pressure and anthropometry measurements; food and nutrient intake through 24 -hour recalls; and physical activities through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Univariate analyses were used and multiple models were built by stepwise forward selection (p <= 0.05 and biological plausibility). Results: participants were n = 230 students, 18.5 +/- 0.4 years and 54.8 % men. Three models associated with body fat were obtained. In the first model, saturated fatty acids ( beta = 0.30, p = 0.028) were significant positive associated, while vigorous physical activity was significant negative associated as a protective factor ( beta = -0.007, p = 0.023). In the second model, total fat ( beta = 0.17, p = 0.005) was significant positive associated, and vigorous physical activity was significant negative associated ( beta = -0.007, p = 0.023). The third model included fruits and vegetables ( beta = -5.49, p = 0.092) and vigorous physical activity ( beta = -0.006, p = 0.058) as protective factors. Conclusions: dietary intake of total fat and saturated fatty acids, and vigorous physical activity, were significantly associated with body fat, while fruits and vegetables trended toward significance, in Mexican adolescents. Community -based programs that promote intake of protective foods and reduction of risky foods, and encourage vigorous physical activity, are needed in adolescents.