RELACIÓN ENTRE CONDUCTAS ALIMENTARIAS DE RIESGO, IMC, %GC Y AMB EN ADOLESCENTES ECUATORIANOS, 2024.

Abstract

Introduction: In the context of student health, risky eating behaviors, such as extreme restriction or compulsive binge eating, significantly impact the body composition and health of adolescents. Objective: To determine the relationship between risky eating behaviors, BMI, body fat, and arm muscle area in adolescents from an educational unit located in the province of Los Ríos, Ecuador, in 2024. Methodology: Quantitative study, non-experimental, correlational, prospective cross-sectional design conducted with 210 adolescents aged 11 to 17 years, whose data were obtained through the CBCAR questionnaire and anthropometric assessment. Results: It was found that 8,8% of the adolescents exhibited moderate to high-risk eating behaviors, with a higher prevalence in females. There was a high prevalence of normal BMI, but overweight or obesity was identified, especially in males. Additionally, 30% of males had elevated body fat, while muscle development was generally optimal, though more deficient in females. Conclusions: The low negative correlation between risky behaviors and arm muscle area suggests that these behaviors may affect muscle development, highlighting the need for personalized interventions and the exploration of factors such as physical activity and psychosocial support.