Assessment of Dietary Pattern, Nutritional Status and Insulin Resistance Among a Group of Overweight and Obese Adolescents in Egypt

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity among adolescents represent a growing public health concern in Egypt and are strongly associated with insulin resistance, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and other metabolic complications later in life. Unhealthy dietary patterns, including high consumption of fast foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, are increasingly prevalent among Egyptian adolescents. Different dietary approaches were used to improve metabolic outcomes and enhance insulin sensitivity in different populations. However, limited data are available regarding the dietary patterns and the impact of such approaches on insulin resistance among overweight and obese adolescents in Egypt. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the dietary habits and nutritional status among a group of overweight and obese adolescents. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on overweight and obese adolescents aged 10–19 years attending the obesity clinic at the National Nutrition Institute, Egypt. Dietary habits were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were recorded, and insulin resistance was evaluated using the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Results: These findings indicate a nutritional imbalance characterized by adequate macronutrient intake but significant micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in calcium, fiber, and potassium, alongside excessive sodium intake. This pattern reflects a diet high in processed foods and low in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. The food frequency data indicate a diet characterized by high refined carbohydrate intake, insufficient consumption of micronutrient-dense foods, and suboptimal dietary diversity, which aligns with the observed micronutrient deficiencies and excessive sodium intake. Conclusion: Nutritional assessment of a group of overweight and obese adolescents revealed unhealthy dietary habits, low physical activity and tendency to insulin resistance. This indicates a high-risk for future non-communicable diseases. These findings emphasized the urgent need for targeted interventions to promote healthier dietary patterns.