Hábitos de desayuno y su relación con el estado nutricional de adolescentes de 15-18 años, de una unidad educativa pública del cantón Ambato”

Abstract

Nutrition in Ecuador is a topic of great importance because the country faces several challenges related to food security, malnutrition, and public health in general. According to data from the Ministry of Public Health, chronic malnutrition affects about 24% of children under five in Ecuador. In addition, obesity and overweight are on the rise, especially in urban areas. Based on this, the research focused on determining the relationship between breakfast habits and the nutritional status of adolescents aged 15-18 years in a Public Educational Unit of Ambato Canton. To carry out this analysis, the evaluation of Body Mass Index (BMI) in relation to age, surveys on eating habits and the participation of students in data collection were included. The research also explores the diversity, quality and proportion of food consumed by adolescents. Where the relationship between breakfast habits and nutritional status is established. The factors analyzed included quantity, frequency and type of food consumed. The results showed that almost the totality of the group of students ate breakfast, with approximately half having it 3 to 5 times a week and the other half every day. The amount of food consumed was considered adequate, and statistical analysis indicated a clear significant relationship (p<0.05) between breakfast habits and nutritional status, with a negative correlation. This suggests that as students increase the healthy habits scale, the association with high BMI or overweight to obesity decreases. The findings highlight the importance of promoting healthy eating practices, raising awareness of dietary diversity, and providing ongoing support to students to maintain optimal nutritional status.