Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: December | Volume: 10 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 25-36
Assessment of Lifestyle and Health Status of Buddhist Monks
Chiranthana Prasad M R1, Asha G2
1Msc Food and Nutrition, Smt VHD Central Institute of Home Science (Autonomous), Department of Food and Nutrition and Research Centre, Seshadri Road, Bengaluru -560001
2Assistant Professor Smt VHD Central Institute of Home Science (Autonomous), Department of Food and Nutrition and Research Centre, Seshadri Road, Bengaluru -560001
Corresponding Author: Chiranthana Prasad M R
ABSTRACT
Culture, communication and cuisine are an interwoven web which connects people and supports in establishing identity. Food forms an integral part of the culture of Buddhism. A survey conducted in 2016 by Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok found nearly half of the country’s monks were overweight.
Thus the present study was formulated to assess the lifestyle and health status of Buddhist monks in Bengaluru (12-60 years). The objectives of the study were 1) to investigate the dietary pattern and food choices of Buddhist monks 2) to observe relationship between spirituality and dietary patterns 3) to secure data on the health status of Buddhist monks. Self administered questionnaire to elicit data on demographic profile, anthropometric data, dietary pattern, physical activity pattern, clinical and biochemical parameters of the monks was used. Evidently the monks lead a sedentary lifestyle and more than half of them were either obese (I) or overweight. More than half of the monks preferred packaged fruit juices and carbonated drinks. Even though some occasional instances of gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological symptoms (anxiety/depression) were reported, the biochemical parameters were all in normal range. The psychological effects of the monastic life seem to outweigh the risks of developing any non communicable diseases. Yet the long term risks of sedimentary lifestyle could affect the health status of the monks and cannot be left unacknowledged or uninspected. Therefore 30- 45 minutes moderate physical activities for at least 3- 4 days a week along with well balanced and nourishing diet is recommended.
Key words: Buddhist monks, lifestyle, health, nutritional status, obesity.