Relationship Between Physical Activity, Dietary Intake, and Nutritional Status of Adolescent Girls Attending Junior High School in Sagnarigu Municipality, Tamale, Ghana.

Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescent girls has become a major public health concern worldwide. Several factors serve as predictors of overweight: eating habits, dietary intake, and physical activity. However, the complex relationship between diet, physical activity, and nutritional status in these adolescent girls remains poorly understood. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary intake, physical activity, and nutritional status of adolescent girls in Sagnarigu Municipal. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a representative sample of adolescent girls between the ages of 13 to 19 years in a Sagnarigu Municipal. Data on dietary intake, physical activity, and nutritional status were collected using structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Results: Physical activity and dietary intake were significantly associated with BMI for age (wasted, overweight, obese). However, the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) had no significant relationship with BMI for age. Conclusion: The results suggest that the physical activity and dietary intake of the participants were significantly associated with the nutritional status of the girls. Intervention research aimed at improving school-aged adolescent girls' nutritional status should also be implemented; policies to improve the school environment and encourage students to make healthy food choices should be enforced.