Objective: The prevalence of obesity is rapidly increasing in adolescents and children. The aim of this study is to investigate the obesity prevalence in the adolescent age group and to identify the relationship between obesity and various anthropometric measurements, as well as muscle strength and nutritional habits.

Methods: A total of 502 male and 99 female students (15-18 years old) in a high school in Beykoz district of Istanbul participated in this study. Anthropometric measurements, handgrip strength and nutritional status were evaluated. Body fat mass (n=601) were determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

Results: 12.4% of males were underweight, 66.2% were normal, 16.7% were overweight, 4.5% were obese and 0.2% were morbidly obese. 18.4% of girls were underweight, 69.4% were normal, 7.1% were overweight, 4.1% obese and 1% morbidly obese. A positive correlation was found between body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, middle upper arm circumference, and calf circumference. Body fat mass (BFM) measured by BIA was 14.6±6.6% in boys and 24.8±7.6% in girls. It was 29.2% in obese boys and 45.2% in obese girls. There was no correlation between BFM and daily consumed meat, vegetable-fruit, fast food and bread amount. Fast food consumption rate in obese people was 72.9%. Muscle strength was higher in those who consumed meat every day and was inversely correlated with BFM.

Conclusion: Prevalance of overweight and obesity were significant in adolescents. Waist circumference was best predicted obesity. Fast food consumption was common in obese individuals and BFM was inversely correlated with muscle strength.

Keywords: Adolescence, body mass index, muscle strength, obesity