CONSUMPTION OF FOOD, FOOD DISORDERS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN ADOLESCENTS OF URBAN AND RURAL AREAS OF THE SIERRA REGION OF ECUADOR

Background and objectives: In Ecuador, adolescents represent 19.3% of the population INEC-Ecuador (2010). This period is characterized by a stage of physical, psychological and psychological changes in which a child becomes an adult. This transition requires an adaptation of the factors that allow the adolescent to develop all the normal functions with normality. Aims: To evaluate the dietary intake, eating disorders and physical activity of adolescents from a population of the Andean region of Ecuador and their difference between urban and rural areas. Methods: Cross-sectional study (n = 131). It was applied: a 24-hour reminder and food consumption frequency questionnaire; It was evaluated anthropometry, physical activity and risk of eating disorder. Results: 19.1% of the population presented short stature by age and 17.6% risk of overweight according to BMI//Age. Macronutrient adequacy percentages throughout the population were low (66.5% carbohydrate, 60.5% protein and 79.8% fat). Statistically significant differences were found between protein (p = 0.012), fats (p