Dietary intake and physical activity of Bolivian schollboys at high altitude

Abstract

A population of about 50 schoolboys from 10-12 years old living in the city of La Paz - Bolivia at an altitude between 3600 and 4100 m are studied. Food consumption and physical activity is measured by 24-hours interviews. Also anthropometric data are collected. Three different kinds of schools are involved: 1.A French-Bolivian school (FB), with children of a relative high social standard,2. a school in Villa Fatima (VF), children with a relative low social standard, and 3. a school in El Alto (EA), with children of medium to low social standard. The mean energy intake is about 2000 kcalories whereas the estimated mean energy expenditure is about 2250 kcal. Significant, differencies are found in energy intake; children of FB have higher energy intakes than children of VF and EA. Also significant differencies are found in energy expenditure, although in a different direction, higher in boys of VF and EA Total skinfolds is shown significant higher in FB.(41 mm) compared to VF (27 mm) and EA (31 mm). The relationship between dietary intake and physical activity show a tendency to marginal energy intakes compared to the energy expenditure in boys with a low socio-economic status, supported by the mean of total skinfolds.