Pilot Study on the Evaluation of the Diet of a Mexican Population of Adolescents.

Background: Adolescence is characterized by physical and psychosocial changes. This implies modifying or implementing correct nutritional habits at an early age, which would have an impact on a healthy adult life. Objectives: The FFQ of dietary patterns has not been estimated in the population of adolescents. Therefore, conducting a pilot, cross-sectional, comparative, and correlational study, we sought to identify frequently consumed foods in an adolescent population. Methods: As part of the methodology, a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was given to a non-probability convenience sample of 178 subjects aged 14 to 19 years to evaluate the most frequently consumed foods. Results: This study showed that the diet of Mexican adolescents was characterized with little variability in the foods consumed: 28.20% of the population had a good consumption of milk (1 to 5 serving/day), 16.50% of sugars, and 16% of cereals, while only less than 15% had a good consumption of source animal foods, fruits and vegetables, oils, and fat. Conclusions: Mexican adolescents have demonstrated that their diet is poorly varied. Adolescence is an important period in life that can define habitual dietary intake, and therefore, it is crucial to promote healthy eating at this age. Further research and appropriate public policies are needed.