Prevalence of overweight and obesity in young female college students

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Study of prevalence of overweight and obesity among young female college students
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Original source:

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Author:

Dr. Sabade Pradnya Prakash


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Study of prevalence of overweight and obesity among young female college students

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20178-9140

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

In the contemporary context, understanding the nutritional status of late adolescents is pivotal for averting future non-communicable diseases. This study, conducted among young female college students in Chennai city, aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and underweight, in addition to evaluating dietary patterns and socioeconomic factors. A total of 2,765 female participants aged 17-21 years were included, and various methods such as BMI calculation, dietary recalls, and socioeconomic status assessments were utilized to gather data.

Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity

The findings highlighted a worrying trend regarding the nutritional status of the participants. Among the student population, only 54.8% were classified as having normal weight, while 13.2% were overweight, and 5.2% were deemed obese. Additionally, a significant portion (26.9%) was underweight, illustrating a dual burden of nutritional issues. The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were comparable to other studies conducted in India, indicating that this issue is widespread among young female adolescents in urban settings.

Dietary Intake and Nutritional Patterns

The study revealed a concerning inadequacy in the dietary habits of the participants. The average energy intake was 1,828 kcal, lower than the recommended levels, with a notably low consumption of fruits and vegetables. Specifically, the average daily intake of fruits was merely 34.83 grams, significantly below recommendations, and overall vegetable intake was also dismal. This inadequate dietary pattern suggests an urgent need for nutritional interventions aimed at improving the diets of young female college students.

Socioeconomic Status and Its Implications

Socioeconomic status (SES) emerged as an influential factor affecting the body mass index (BMI) of the students. Analysis indicated that students from lower SES backgrounds had significantly lower BMI compared to their counterparts from middle and high SES groups. This discrepancy suggests that socioeconomic factors play a critical role in shaping dietary habits and nutritional health, underscoring the need for targeted health education and dietary programming for students from varied socioeconomic backgrounds.

Conclusion

The study's findings reflect a dual burden of overweight and underweight among young female college students in Chennai, highlighting a pressing public health concern. With inadequate dietary intake of essential nutrients and a notable influence of SES on weight status, immediate interventions are vital. Encouraging family meals and nutritional education can play a significant role in addressing these issues. Future strategies must focus on promoting healthy eating practices and regular physical activity to foster better health outcomes among this vulnerable population.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the primary objective of the study?

The primary objective was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among young female college students aged 17-21 years in Chennai city, alongside evaluating their dietary patterns.

What significant findings were observed regarding weight status?

Approximately 54.8% of female college students had normal weight, while 13.2% were overweight and 5.2% were obese. Furthermore, 26.9% of students were underweight, indicating a high dual burden of both obesity and underweight.

How did socioeconomic status influence body mass index (BMI)?

The study found significant differences in BMI across different socioeconomic groups. Lower socioeconomic status was associated with a lower BMI, while students from higher socioeconomic groups generally had higher BMI values.

What was the dietary intake of the participants like?

The mean energy intake of the students was 1828 kcal, which is lower than recommended levels. Fruit and vegetable consumption was also notably low, indicating inadequate dietary habits among the participants.

What factors were linked to weight status in the study?

The study identified associations between weight status and factors such as vigorous physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and time spent sleeping. Increased physical activity was positively linked to weight status.

How did family meals affect dietary habits of students?

The frequency of family meals was positively associated with higher intake of fruits and vegetables. Regular family meals can encourage better nutritional choices among adolescents.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Prevalence of overweight and obesity in young female college students”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Study (Studying):
Study refers to a systematic investigation to understand a specific phenomenon, often involving the collection and analysis of data. In the context of the research article, it pertains to assessing overweight and obesity prevalence among female college students, contributing to broader insights into public health and nutrition.

2) Table:
A table is a systematic arrangement of data, typically organized in rows and columns. In the research, tables present findings like demographics, prevalence rates, and dietary intake, making it easier to interpret results, identify patterns, and summarize large sets of information for analysis and comparison.

3) Activity:
Activity denotes any action or effort directed toward a specific task. In the context of the study, it often refers to physical activity levels among students, highlighting the relationship between exercise and weight status, thus emphasizing the importance of active lifestyles in combating obesity and related health issues.

4) Family:
Family represents a fundamental social unit influencing adolescents' behavior, including dietary habits. The study indicates that family meal frequency positively affects students' intake of healthy food, suggesting that parental involvement is crucial for promoting better nutrition and addressing issues like obesity and underweight.

5) Food:
Food encompasses the various substances consumed for nutritional support. In the study, food types and dietary patterns are paramount, as they directly impact health outcomes. The paper analyzes the intake of fruits, vegetables, and macronutrients, reflecting on how dietary choices relate to weight status and overall well-being.

6) Indian:
Indian contextualizes the study to India, a country with distinct cultural and dietary practices affecting health outcomes. The emphasis on the Indian context highlights the unique nutritional challenges and trends present in the population, contributing to the understanding of obesity and underweight issues among its youth.

7) India:
India serves as the geographical and cultural focal point for the research. The significance of studying overweight and obesity in India lies in its diverse demographic and socioeconomic landscape, which influences dietary habits and health outcomes, necessitating tailored nutrition interventions for its young population.

8) Pir:
Peer refers to individuals of similar age or social status, significantly impacting adolescents' choices and behaviors. In the study, peer influence is assessed concerning dietary intake, indicating the potential of social dynamics in shaping eating habits and highlighting the complexities of health promotion among youth.

9) Disease:
Disease indicates a pathological condition affecting health and well-being. The research addresses the connection between poor dietary habits and the risk of non-communicable diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, underscoring the importance of preventive measures and nutrition awareness among the young population.

10) Diet:
Diet refers to the habitual intake of food and drink by an individual. The study evaluates dietary patterns, analyzing macronutrient intake and frequency of healthy foods, which reflect broader trends in adolescent nutrition, emphasizing the need for improved dietary habits among female college students.

11) Hand:
Hand could imply the act of measurement or involvement. In the context of the study, it likely relates to how researchers collect data regarding dietary intake and anthropometric measures, emphasizing the methodology used to attain accurate information for assessing students' nutritional status and health.

12) Chennai:
Chennai, as the study's local setting, provides a specific context concerning the health and nutrition of young female college students. The city's urbanization and cultural characteristics directly influence dietary practices, making it crucial for grasping the prevalence of obesity and related health issues in that demographic.

13) Filling (Filled):
Filling may relate to the act of completing or providing information. In the study, it pertains to participants filling out dietary recalls and health assessment forms, a crucial process for capturing accurate data necessary for understanding the nutritional status and health challenges faced by female college students.

14) Rich (Rch):
Rich describes a higher concentration or abundance of certain elements, like nutrients in food. In the study, it may relate to dietary components that provide essential vitamins and minerals, highlighting the importance of nutrient-rich foods in promoting better health and the challenges of inadequate consumption among students.

15) Wall:
Wall often signifies a boundary or partition, yet in the study context, it might represent the physical aspect of measuring height accurately using a body meter. It emphasizes the precision required in anthropometric measurements, crucial for determining BMI and health status among female college students.

16) Post:
Post could refer to a position or condition after an event, possibly related to the collection or analysis of study data. It is essential in interpreting the findings, as it relates to the effects and implications of dietary habits and weight status on participants' overall health following the study.

17) Life:
Life represents the natural existence of individuals, offering context to the health and nutrition discourse. The study connects late adolescents' life stages with dietary habits and lifestyle choices, underscoring the critical juncture at which healthy behaviors are necessarily cultivated to promote long-term well-being.

18) Measurement:
Measurement refers to the process of obtaining quantitative data, essential in this study for evaluating participants' height, weight, and body fat percentage. Accurate measurements are fundamental for classifying weight status, linking anthropometric data directly to nutritional assessments and health risk evaluations among students.

19) Nature:
Nature suggests inherent qualities or characteristics, potentially referring to dietary habits or lifestyle choices. In the study, understanding the nature of college students' eating behaviors is vital to identify trends that contribute to obesity and underweight, guiding targeted interventions for improved health.

20) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, often associated with chronic diseases. The study highlights the importance of nutrition in preventing inflammation and related conditions, thereby underscoring the critical role of healthy eating patterns in reducing obesity-related health risks among the target population.

21) Reliability:
Reliability indicates the consistency and validity of the methods and tools used in the study. It is crucial in ensuring that the data collected through anthropometric measurements and dietary recalls accurately reflects the students' health status, reinforcing the integrity of the research findings.

22) Observation:
Observation involves monitoring and recording behaviors or phenomena. In research, careful observation ensures accurate data collection and the identification of patterns. In this study, observations of dietary practices and physical activity help establish connections between these factors and the weight status of female college students.

23) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the examination and interpretation of findings in relation to existing research, emphasizing the significance of results. In the study, the discussion reflects on the implications of dietary habits, weight status, and health risks, guiding future interventions aimed at improving nutrition among the population.

24) Collecting:
Collecting pertains to the systematic gathering of data, which is essential for the research's integrity. In this context, it emphasizes the careful acquisition of anthropometric and dietary information, ensuring comprehensive insights into the health and nutritional status of female college students in Chennai.

25) Developing:
Developing suggests the process of growth or evolution, particularly in the realm of public health strategies. The study calls attention to developing appropriate nutrition interventions targeting the dual burden of underweight and obesity among female college students, addressing the broader context of health promotion in India.

26) Sweating (Sweat):
Sweating indicates a physiological response to physical exertion, often associated with vigorous activity. It highlights the importance of physical activity in weight management and overall health. In the study, associations between sweating and obesity underline the need for increased physical activity among female college students to combat weight issues.

27) Channel:
Channel can refer to a medium of communication, perhaps in the context of media influence on dietary choices. This suggests that media plays a role in shaping adolescents' perceptions of food, potentially affecting their eating behaviors and highlighting the need for responsible media advocacy in promoting healthy nutrition.

28) Reason:
Reason signifies the underlying cause or rationale behind a phenomenon. In the context of the study, it pertains to exploring the reasons for dietary choices and weight status among women, emphasizing the importance of understanding motivation as part of the framework for addressing nutritional issues.

29) Desire:
Desire reflects the motivation driving individuals' choices and behaviors. The study examines how desire for weight management may lead to increased physical activity among college students, highlighting the complexity of health-related motivations and their potential impact on lifestyle changes and dietary habits.

30) Madra:
Madra appears to be a typographical error and likely refers to Madras, the former name of Chennai, which is pivotal in providing context for the study. Its significance lies in understanding the urban, cultural, and socioeconomic influences on dietary habits and health among female college students in this specific region.

31) Sugar:
Sugar denotes a carbohydrate that, while providing energy, is frequently connected to unhealthy dietary practices. In the study's context, it may reflect on the consumption of high-sugar foods prevalent among college students, emphasizing the need for awareness regarding sugar intake and its implications for obesity and overall health.

32) Milk:
Milk is a nutrient-rich food providing essential vitamins and minerals. Its significance in the study could revolve around dietary analysis, particularly its consumption among college students. Understanding milk intake can offer insights into overall dietary quality and nutrition, shedding light on health trends among adolescents.

33) Salt (Salty):
Salt is a significant dietary mineral that enhances flavor but is also linked to health risks when consumed in excess. The study may highlight the concerns surrounding salt intake among female college students, emphasizing the importance of balanced diet choices in preventing hypertension and promoting overall well-being.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Prevalence of overweight and obesity in young female college students’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Socioeconomic status, Media influence, Nutritional status, Dietary Intake, Body mass index (BMI), Overweight and obesity, Anthropometric assessment, Energy intake, Peer influence, Young female college students, Vigorous physical activity, Sedentary behavior.

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