title: Physical activity and dietary habits among Moroccan adolescents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study aimed to detail the lifestyle (physical activity and dietary habits) of Moroccan adolescents.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional study undertaken in the framework of the ATLS (Arab Teens Lifestyle Study).
  
  
  METHODS
  Physical activity and dietary habits were determined using a validated questionnaire in public secondary schools.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 669 adolescents aged 15.0-19.9 years were randomly recruited from Kenitra, Morocco.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Physical activity patterns and intensity differed between genders. As anticipated, male adolescents were more active than female adolescents across a typical week and engaged in more vigorous-intensity physical activity than female adolescents, who spent more time than male adolescents in moderate-intensity physical activity. Of particular concern was that one in five of the adolescents surveyed was inactive, with almost 45% of the sample reporting television viewing for more than 2 h/d and 38% engaged in computer use for a similar period. From a dietary perspective, most adolescents reported that they do not take breakfast or consume milk and dairy products, fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. In contrast, most reported consumption of doughnuts, cakes, candy and chocolate more than three times per week and approximately 50% consumed sugary drinks more than three times per week.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on a continuation of the self-reported lifestyle behaviours, adolescents in the present study are at risk of developing chronic diseases. Education programmes are urgently needed to assist in the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and reduce the likelihood of overweight and obesity and related health risks among young people.
authors.affiliation: 1Université Ibn Tofaïl, Faculté des Sciences,Département de Biologie,Laboratoire de Nutrition et Santé,BP 133,Kénitra 14000,Morocco.
authors.forename: Abdeslam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hamrani
authors.affiliation: 2Unité Mixte de Recherche en Nutrition & Alimentation (Université Ibn Tofaïl - Centre National de l'Energie,des Sciences et des Techniques Nucléaires),URAC 39,Rabat,Morocco.
authors.forename: Slimane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mehdad
authors.affiliation: 2Unité Mixte de Recherche en Nutrition & Alimentation (Université Ibn Tofaïl - Centre National de l'Energie,des Sciences et des Techniques Nucléaires),URAC 39,Rabat,Morocco.
authors.forename: Khalid
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: El Kari
authors.affiliation: 2Unité Mixte de Recherche en Nutrition & Alimentation (Université Ibn Tofaïl - Centre National de l'Energie,des Sciences et des Techniques Nucléaires),URAC 39,Rabat,Morocco.
authors.forename: Asmaa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: El Hamdouchi
authors.affiliation: 2Unité Mixte de Recherche en Nutrition & Alimentation (Université Ibn Tofaïl - Centre National de l'Energie,des Sciences et des Techniques Nucléaires),URAC 39,Rabat,Morocco.
authors.forename: Imane
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: El Menchawy
authors.affiliation: 3Unité de Nutrition-Service d'Hygiène et Médecine de Collectivité,Hôpital Militaire d'Instruction Mohammed V,Rabat,Morocco.
authors.forename: Hakim
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Belghiti
authors.affiliation: 2Unité Mixte de Recherche en Nutrition & Alimentation (Université Ibn Tofaïl - Centre National de l'Energie,des Sciences et des Techniques Nucléaires),URAC 39,Rabat,Morocco.
authors.forename: Mohammed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: El Mzibri
authors.affiliation: 4Nutrition and Health Studies Unit,Deanship of Scientific Research,University of Bahrain and Arab Center for Nutrition,Manama,Bahrain.
authors.forename: Abdulrahman O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Musaiger
authors.affiliation: 5Exercise Physiology Laboratory,Department of Physical Education and Movement Science,College of Education and Scientific Board,Obesity Research Chair,King Saud University,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Hazzaa M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Al-Hazzaa
authors.affiliation: 6Mater Mothers' Hospital,Mater Research and Griffith Health Institute,Griffith University,Brisbane,Queensland,Australia.
authors.forename: Andrew P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Hills
authors.affiliation: 2Unité Mixte de Recherche en Nutrition & Alimentation (Université Ibn Tofaïl - Centre National de l'Energie,des Sciences et des Techniques Nucléaires),URAC 39,Rabat,Morocco.
authors.forename: Najat
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mokhtar
authors.affiliation: 2Unité Mixte de Recherche en Nutrition & Alimentation (Université Ibn Tofaïl - Centre National de l'Energie,des Sciences et des Techniques Nucléaires),URAC 39,Rabat,Morocco.
authors.forename: Hassan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Aguenaou
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003201:Computers; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D019422:Dietary Sucrose / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015444:Exercise; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D062407:Meals; D009018:Morocco; D012306:Risk; D057185:Sedentary Behavior; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013690:Television
chemical_list: D019422:Dietary Sucrose
keywords: Dietary habits; Health promotion; Lifestyle; Moroccan adolescents; Physical activity