Lifestyle Trends and Obesity among College Going Girls of Delhi

Abstract

Background: Place of food preparation and hence consumption is an important determining factor for diet intake and consequently the risk for development of obesity. Aims: Present study attempts to examine dietary behavior among students attending undergraduate courses at Delhi University so as to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity status using various dietary and behavioral factors triggering obesity. Methods: 201 females with age ranging from 18 to 22 years were interviewed for different socio-demographic information and parameters relating to lifestyle regime using a standardized proforma. Anthropometric and physiological measurements were taken according to standard techniques. Analysis was done using SPSS 20.0. Results: Family history for obesity and diabetes is noted to be significantly higher among girls taking home-made food. It has been reported that girls taking food prepared at home are more overweight/obese for BMI or at risk for higher waist line and waist height ratio as compared to those taking meals away from home. Conclusion: Universities can perform a crucial role in restraining the prevalence of obesity among young population by assessing college-going students for their weight status and eating practices and counseling them about healthy eating choices and habits.