Diet, exercise and weight control behaviors among adolescents in Xicheng district, Beijing

Objective To understand the diet,exercise and weight control behaviors of adole scents in Xicheng district of Beijing,and to provide evidence for school health education and promotion.Methods A risk behaviors questionnaire survey was conducted among 2 007 students selected from 9 middle schools.Results The proportions of having soft drinks,eating sweet food,having we stern-style fast food and eating fried food frequently were 31.4%,31.04%,6.93%,and 7.47%,respectively.41.49% of the students was used to choose specific food;61.04% drank milk frequently;73.32% had breakfast every day.The proportions of participating daily physical exercises,mode rate intensity physical exercises and walking or riding fora time of 30 minutes or more continuously were 60.46%,47.11%,and 56.60%,respectively.The proportions of watching TV/video,doing homework,playing electronic games,and using internet more than two hours per day were 28.59%,68.57%,21.39%,and 21.27%,respectively.43.00% of the students thought they were overwe iht and 76.08% took measures to lose weight.1.39% of the students had vomitting;3.71% had history of fasting;1.97% had history of taking pill,powders or liquids to lose weight.Conclusion Nutrition education should be taken and physical exercise,healthy diet and exercise behaviors should be promoted among middle school students.