Osteoporosis prevention in female adolescents: calcium intake and exercise participation

Adolescence is a critical period for physiologic growth. Calcium consumption and exercise affect bone mass, and both may be the most significant factors in preventing osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to identify problem areas that would place adolescent females at risk for developing osteoporosis. The sample consisted of 293 adolescent females, ages 14 to 19 years. Data collected included assessment of calcium consumption, physical activities, and variables that may affect both. Results showed that participants consumed inadequate calcium but were attentive to participate in physical activities. Half of the sample reported skipping one meal per day, slightly over half were trying to lose weight, and almost three fourths were trying to keep from gaining weight. Predictors of calcium intake were skipping meals, perception of barriers to calcium intake, and trying to lose weight (beta weight: 0.29, 0.28, and 0.25, respectively). Predictors of exercise were perceptions of barriers and benefits to exercise (beta weights: 0.27 and 0.13, respectively). Nutritional education and behavior modification strategies to address the findings are presented.