Variety of Energy-Dense Foods Does Not Affect Body Mass Index but Influences Food Quantity: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study among Adolescents in Mumbai, India

IntroductionOver the past three decades, adolescents share of caloric consumption from foods that are energy-dense but low in micronutrients has increased dramatically. Additionally, the rise in overweight and obesity in this age group is one of the most significant public health challenges of recent times. ObjectiveWe intended to investigate the relationship between consuming a variety of energy-dense foods and body mass index in adolescents. Research Methods and ProceduresIn this analytical cross-sectional study, 373 adolescents between the age of 13-15 years old were randomly recruited from three private schools in Mumbai, India. Data on their weekly consumption of energy-dense foods, anthropometric measurements, along with other critical information was obtained using a survey and food frequency questionnaire. Categories of energy-dense foods considered included chat (Indian savory snack) and street foods, appetizers, main course, continental foods, aerated drinks, baked foods, Indian sweets, farsan (fried Indian snack), and packaged foods. ResultsAmongst the participants (n =373, mean age 13.4 years), 39.7% were underweight, 46.1% had a normal BMI, 9.6% were overweight, and 4.5% were obese. They reported consuming an average of 4 varieties and 10.6 servings of energy-dense foods a day. Though the consumption of a variety of energy-dense foods was not found to be associated with body mass index, it was found to be significantly, positively, and strongly associated with the number of servings consumed, indicating that variety does increase total food consumption. ConclusionIn this cohort of adolescents, overall consumption of a variety of energy-dense foods does not seem to influence body mass index. Longitudinal studies are warranted to assess the impact of variety on total body composition.