[Dietary habits and physical activity in a secondary school in the Balearic islands]

To evaluate the changes in dietary habits and physical activity, as well as the prevalence of obesity and overweight that have occurred in a cohort of 1st and 4th year secondary school pupils after non-structured health education activities.

A descriptive, longitudinal study, in which anthropometric variables, dietary habits, leisure and physical activity were collected in the 1st year secondary school pupils (n=61), and they were measured again when they were in the 4th year. The differences between the two school years were analysed using the Mc Nemar-Bowker Test. During the period of the study educational sessions were given on healthy eating and physical activity.

The prevalence of overweight decreased significantly (from 14.8% to 3.7%) and the level of physical activity has increased. No statistical differences were detected in the quality of breakfast or in the quality of the Mediterranean diet.

Some of the aspects studied have improved without being able to attribute this improvement to the educational sessions given. To determine and analyse the healthy living habits of adolescents would enable us to plan realistic interventions, adapted to the particular environment. They should be structured and continuous over time and approach areas of knowledge, skills and emotions, and directed, not only at the young people, but also their families, the internal environment of the educational centre. There should be coordination of community resources in order to make a coordinated approach.