Dietary And Socio-Economic Factors Associated With Obesity In North Indian Population

The present study was elucidated to investigate the association of socio-economic and dietary factors with obesity. For the purpose, total one hundred eighty subjects of both genders, between the ages 40~50 years were recruited randomly. Anthropometrical measurement like height, weight and waist to hip ratio was measured by standard techniques. To determine whether an adults weight is appropriate for his height, Body Mass Index (B.M.I.) was computed. For socio-economic characters, a number The respective information was collected through questionnaire cum interview method. The dietary intakes were taken for all selected subjects by 24 hr recall method for three consecutive days. All data so obtained was coded, tabulated and statistically analyzed. The obesity was found more prevalent in women than men and urban compared to rural dwellers. Urbanization, gender, loneliness and divorced or widowed status were the strong predictors of obesity. The present dietary data indicated that obese peoples were consuming highly imbalanced diets containing more protein, fat and calcium and less amounts of fiber, iron than the Recommended Dietary Allowances. A community based approach using multiple strategies including appropriate education will be required to address the problem.