Anthropometric Characteristics and Dietary Practices among Adolescents in Nnewi, South- eastern Nigeria

Abstract Background Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and neck circumference (NC) are simple measures of body size, but their relationships among Nigerian adolescents are not well described. This study examined associations among MUAC, WHtR, and NC and described selected dietary practices in Nnewi, south-eastern Nigeria. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 400 apparently healthy adolescents aged 11–18 years underwent measurement of height, MUAC, waist circumference, and NC; WHtR was calculated from waist circumference and height. Dietary practices were assessed using an adapted adolescent nutrition questionnaire. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to assess relationships among MUAC, WHtR, and NC. Results The mean age was 16.23 ± 2.42 years. Mean MUAC was 26.52 ± 2.81 cm, WHtR was 0.44 ± 0.06, and NC was 31.93 ± 2.68 cm. MUAC correlated weakly but significantly with WHtR ( r = 0.295, p < 0.001) and NC ( r = 0.228, p < 0.001). WHtR and NC showed no significant linear correlation ( r = 0.005, p = 0.935). Most participants reported eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the previous 24 hours, although meal skipping at least three times per week was also common. Conclusion MUAC, WHtR, and NC showed different patterns of association, suggesting that they may provide partly distinct anthropometric information in these adolescents. Regular meal consumption was common, although meal skipping remained frequent. Further research incorporating BMI-for-age, direct body-composition measures, and age- and sex-specific reference standards is needed to clarify the utility of these measures for assessing nutritional risk.