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This study examined the dietary habits of Welsh 12-13 year olds. A cohort of 84 boys and 81 girls, age 12.9 SD 0.3 years; body mass 51.3 SD 12.6kg; and stature 1.54 SD 0.08m, completed a food frequency questionnaire and seven-day food diary. Mean daily kilocalories (kcal/d), and percentages of total fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, and protein, as well as fibre intake were calculated. The mean daily intake of total fat for this cohort was 34.7 percent, for saturated fat the value was 13.8 percent. The mean daily intake of carbohydrate and protein were 50.5 and 14.9 percent, respectively. The schoolchildren in this study reported a mean daily fibre intake of 12.3g. The absolute intake of kilocalories was significantly greater (p [less than or equal to] 0.05) among boys than girls, but no other significant differences were reported. This study revealed that the diets of Welsh 12-13 year olds exceeded recommendations for fat, while at the same time did not meet the recommendations for fibre, and particularly fruit and vegetable intake. Our data indicated that, despite schools offering a range of healthy lunchtime foods, young people continue to consume an energy-dense and nutrient-poor diet, both at school and at home. (Contains 3 tables.)

Objective: This study considers the physical activity (PA) and dietary habits of British young people according to socio-economic status (SES). Methods: The PA and dietary habits of 98 boys and 101 girls (12.9 0.3 years) from two Welsh secondary schools (school 1 and school 2) were examined. Free school meal eligibility and Census 2001 data were used as indicators of SES. School 1 was designated high SES, while school 2 represented low SES. Participants were classified according to SES. Physical activity was estimated by seven-day recall and questionnaire; dietary patterns were assessed using a seven-day food diary and questionnaire. Results: Two-thirds of all participants had not taken part in vigorous activity over the last week. Furthermore, 83.8 per cent of participants did not meet the Health Education Authority's recommendation of one hour per day moderate activity. Boys were more active than girls, (P less than or equal 0.05), but SES did not influence time spent in activity. Ninety-four percent of participants were taken to school via motorized transport. There were no significant differences in fat intake between the sexes or across SES. In addition, 93 per cent of the participants, irrespective of SES, exceeded the 10 per cent saturated fat cut off point recommended by the World Health Organization. Conclusion: Physical activity and dietary patterns are modifiable through suitable lifestyle changes. The present data support the notion that preventative strategies for combating chronic diseases should begin early in life and across socio-economic statuses. (Contains 4 tables.)

This study determined the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in young people of differing socio-economic status (SES). A cohort of 100 boys and 108 girls, aged 12.9, SD 0.3 years drawn of differing SES were assessed for CHD risk factors. Measurements included indices of obesity, blood pressure, aerobic fitness, diet, blood lipids and lipoproteins. Significant differences (P [less than or equal to] 0.05) were detected with respect to SES, for systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, but in boys only. Significant sex differences (P [less than or equal to] 0.05) were identified for systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, aerobic fitness, waist to hip ratio, summation of four skinfold thicknesses, average daily kilocalorie intake, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, increased body fatness, low aerobic fitness, a high fat diet and elevated lipoprotein (a), were the most frequently identified CHD risk factors in this cohort. This study reveals a high incidence of CHD risk factors in young people irrespective of SES and sex, and highlights the need for vigilance in identifying such risk factors from a young age. (Contains 4 tables and 1 note.)