Dietary practices of South Carolina adolescents and their parents.

OBJECTIVE To assess and identify correlates of adolescents' and parents' compliance with food guide pyramid recommendations (FGPR) and weight-control behaviors (WCB). METHODS Data were collected from a random sample of adolescents (2,021) and parents (1,231) and were analyzed using multiple and logistic regression. RESULTS Only 7% eight graders, 4% eleventh graders, and 3% parents met all FGPR. The most significant predictors of FGPR and WCB include knowledge, attitudes, and eating concerns. Extreme dieters were less likely and moderate dieters were more likely to meet recommendations. CONCLUSION Results have relevance for developing nutritional programs for adolescents.