Eating and lifestyle habits in relation with weight status and place of living of adolescents in Sicily, Southern Italy.

BACKGROUND: Obesity among adolescents has increased worldwide becoming a major public health issue. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between eating and lifestyle habits, place of living, and weight status among adolescents living in Sicily, southern Italy. METHODS: Between March and June 2010 and 2011, a sample of 1135 rural and urban adolescents was selected to join the study. Validated questionnaire were used to assess eating and lifestyle habits. RESULTS: Rural students consumed during breakfast significantly higher amount of cereals, fruit juice, fruits, and home-made cakes over packaged snacks and reported to prefer home-made cakes and fruit as a snack whereas packaged snacks, baked goods and biscuits were preferred in the urban area. Lower BMI values observed among rural compared with urban students. Urban adolescents were found to be almost 2 times more likely to eat between meals ≥4 times per day and out of home ≥3 times per week. Unhealthy behaviours regarded also physical activity habits, being urban students less likely to practice physical activity and more likely to spend time on TV/computer. Comparisons of meals and physical activity habits by body composition revealed that obese adolescents were significantly associated with more frequent weekly out of home eating and breakfast, less sport practicing and more daily hours use of TV/computer. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that specific intervention programs regarding education on eating and lifestyle habits should be altered for use in urban and rural settings