Association between calcium intake and body mass index in adolescent girls

Epidemiological studies suggest that calcium intake is associated with obesity. The aim of this study was to determine the association between calcium intake and body mass index (BMI) in adolescent girls. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 863 middle and high school students that were selected by multistage cluster sampling method in Zanjan، 2008. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire، the Food Frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and the General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ). Calcium intake was calculated using EPI6 software. Data were analyzed using chi-square test، Pearson''s correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. Calcium intake was inadequate in 73. 8% of the students and the mean BMI was 20. 1 ± 3. 5 linear regression analysis showed that calcium intake did not predict body mass index. With regards to the results and since the lack of calcium intake as a valuable nutrient in the female students could put them at risk of diseases such as osteoporosis، educating adolescents and families in order to change their life style is suggested.