Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: November | Volume: 7 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 276-284
Association of Body Mass Index and Lifestyle Variables among Adolescent in Urban Jammu
Prof Rajni Dhingra1, Dr. Archana Bhat2
1Professor, Post graduate department of Home Science, University of Jammu
2Senior research fellow, Post graduate department of Home Science, University of Jammu (research investigator) & Area Technical Head (Punjab & Jammu), VLCC Health Care Ltd.
Corresponding Author: Prof Rajni Dhingra
ABSTRACT
Background: Lifestyle diseases among adolescents have both immediate and long term harmful consequences that have been identified as a major health concern for disease control and prevention. Lifestyle factors especially eating habits, physical activity and body mass index appear to influence the accumulation of fat, which in turn relates to the development of major and conditional NCD risk factors.
Objectives: Determine the physical activity, dietary intake and BMI and compare with standardised values for any deviation.
Methods: Sample of the study comprised 400 school going adolescents (divided equally across gender) of urban area of Jammu city. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the sample. The tools used for the study included anthropometric measurements, 24 hour dietary recall method , seven day Global physical activity questionnaire developed by WHO and socio economic status scale.
Results: The sample adolescents were short in their height when compared with standard height for age. Even when compared for weight, majority among sample adolescents were underweight. Respondents were consuming less calories than standard recommended dietary allowances and skipped one of their basic meal especially breakfast.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of sedentary lifestyle, physical inactivity and unhealthy eating habits among adolescents is a major public health concern. There is an urgent need for national policy promoting active living and healthy eating and reducing sedentary behaviours among children and adolescents at national, state and school level.
Key words: adolescent, urbanisation, lifestyle change, food habits, BMI, peer pressure