Evaluation of Mindful Eating Levels among Adolescents of Different BMI Category

Abstract

India faces a steadily increasing prevalence of dual weight burden among adolescents. This study aims to evaluate the eating patterns and mindful eating level of adolescents of different BMI category. A cross sectional study was conducted with 130 adolescents, aged 12-15 years, recruited through quota sampling from government and private schools of Urban Bengaluru. The nutritional status were assessed as prescribed by WHO anthropometric data through standardised stadiometer and weighing scale protocols. Mindful eating level was assessed through a validated Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ). Most of the adolescent subjects were following non-vegetarian diets, where majority of them (47.7%) were observed to have BMI categorised as underweight. Mindful eating practices showed statistically significant (p< 0.05) scores under moderate level by closely half of the subjects and low level by 1/3rd on the MEQ tool. Dual burden of malnutrition that is underweight and obesity was prevalent in the study population. This can be attributed to the sedentary lifestyle coupled with mindless eating. Empowering mindful eating approach would appear to be a strategy in combating the double burden of malnutrition.