Abstract
Introduction: Although the beneficial effects of a healthy diet and increased physical activity are well-known, it is not always easy to follow such a lifestyle. In this study, eating habits and physical activity of the healthy adult population in Istanbul province were investigated.
Materials and Methods: A total of 202 subjects who underwent a health check-up program were enrolled in our study. The demographic characteristics and exercise habits of the subjects were recorded. All participants filled out a self-administered questionnaire to determine their dietary profile. Biochemical analysis, complete physical examination, electrocardiogram, and 2-D echocardiography of each subject were performed.
Results: The mean age, weight, height, and BMI of the study population were 40.05±11.76 years, 72.9±15.31 kg, 167.6±9.2 cm, and 25.73±5.12 kg/m², respectively. The prevalence of high LDL, TG, and low HDL were 32.6%, 40.6%, and 49.5%, respectively. The majority (57.9%) of the subjects consumed >5 gr/day salt daily. Only 36.6% of the subjects consumed vegetables more than 3 times a week. 21.3% of the subjects seldom consumed fish. There were relationships between age and fast food consumption (x²=34.86; p<0.001) and between age and soft drinks (x²=26.67; p<0.001). Subjects who were doing exercise regularly had lower BMI than the subjects doing exercise irregularly or not at all. There was an inverse relationship between BMI and the education level of the subjects. Eating vegetables and fish was associated with better lipid profiles; whereas eating red meat and fast food were associated with worse lipid profiles.
Conclusion: The majority of our study population did not follow healthy eating recommendations. It is imperative to increase the awareness of the public about the beneficial effects of diet, healthy eating habits, and lifestyle changes.

Key words: Healthy diet, lifestyle, eating habits