Food Consumption Habits Among Black African Adolescents With Metabolic Syndrome In Lagos State, Nigeria: Research Article

Bamgboye M. Afolabi

doi:10.58372/2835-6276.1168

Authors

Bamgboye M. Afolabi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58372/2835-6276.1168

Keywords:

Adolescents, Black Africans, Lean, Metabolic syndrome, Nigerians, Overweight/ Obese

Abstract

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of metabolic abnormalities characterized by dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, high fasting blood glucose level and abdominal obesity is becoming a public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. Very few studies have linked intake of certain food items to the occurrence of MetS among Nigerian adolescents despite abundance of these food items in the country during the study period.

Objective: This study, therefore, aimed at determining the contribution of animal protein and other food items to MetS in adolescents living in Lagos, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Six hundred and fifty adolescents (age range: 10–19 years, boys, and girls) were recruited into this cross-sectional study, though complete, analyzable data were from 624 participants. Face-to-face dietary assessments were conducted using a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Seven food groups – animal protein, green vegetables, carbohydrates, sweets, dairy products, fruits, and nuts – and physical activity level were included in the questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were carried out for each participant. Fasting venous blood was collected for lipid profile and blood glucose assessments. Blood pressure was measured and MetS was assessed using appropriate diagnostic criteria for adolescents.

Results: In general, boys were slightly more likely to be high weekly consumers of animal protein (χ²=0.008, P-value=0.93, OR=1.02, 95% CI=0.70,1.47) than girls. Specifically, boys with MetS were 1.83 times more likely to be high consumers of animal protein (χ²=2.47, P-value=0.12, OR=1.83, 95% CI=0.89,3.92) than those without MetS; girls with MetS were less likely to be high consumers of animal protein (χ²=0.03, P-value=0.86, OR=0.77, 95% CI=0.25,2.40). The proportion of subjects with MetS who consumed animal protein ≤1.5 times a week (9.6%) was lower than the proportion that consumed it >3 times weekly (30.8%). High weekly consumption of sweets, fruits and high level of physical exercise conferred low probability of having MetS for the subjects.

Conclusions: High weekly consumption of animal protein appears to be a risk factor for the development of MetS, especially among boys. Fruits and Physical activities ameliorate the chances of MetS in both genders. Adolescent nutrition platforms and regular physical exercise are essential criteria needed to address MetS among adolescents.

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