Association between obesity/overweight in adolescents and low food safety knowledge and practice

Abstract

Background Obesity among adolescents is one of the most prevalent noncommunicable disorders. Currently, around 17% of teenagers are obese and are vulnerable to long-term consequences. Obesity pathophysiology is complicated, varied, and not fully understood. Multiple studies have found altered gut flora in obese people. Dietary choices are one of the key variables influencing the diversity of the human gut microbiota. Objective We conducted this study to assess whether there is a possible relationship between food safety knowledge and practice and obesity. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out on 127 subjects (adolescent patients). BMI was assessed by taking anthropometric measurements, and the resulting data were interpreted using WHO BMI-for-age charts (14–19 years). Food habits were assessed in all subjects using a food frequency questionnaire, while food safety knowledge and practice were assessed in all subjects using the Byrd-Bred Benner questionnaire. Results Overweight and obese adolescents had a significantly lower knowledge score (6.39 ± 2.41) than normal-weight participants (11.30 ± 2.2), p < 0.001. Overweight and obese adolescents had significantly lower practice scores (6.32 ± 2.3) than normal-weight participants (13.48 ± 1.8), p < 0.001. Conclusion Obesity and overweight seem to be associated with lower food safety knowledge and practice.