Abstract

Regression model of the factors that influence weight of young adolescents

Author(s): Raquel P.F.Guine, Sofia R.Fernandes

Excess of weight is a preoccupation for public health worldwide and is common among children and adolescents. This work intended to produce a model to predict weight of young people between 10 and 15 years depending on several tested independent variables: height, age, gender, physical activity, frequency of eating in Fast Food restaurants, the habits of eating at home, the eating of healthy or non-healthy foods. For this diverse tools for regression analysis were employed. The results allowed encountering a model that included four from the eight variables tested and excluded the other four, for not being explanatory of weight under the conditions tested. Finally, the regression model was subject to verification of the assumptions for application of this kind of model, and in light of the results obtained, it was concluded that the model can be applied as a predictive model for weight, for the population of young adolescents aged between 10 and 15 years.