A study on nutritional status of adolescent girls with reference to BMI among school going adolescent girls, Chidambaram.

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is a crucial period of important distinctions together with physiological, physical, behavioral and social changes. Under-nutrition among adolescent girls is a major public health problem unsound food habits and lack of nutritional awareness are considered to be the main factors in determining nutritional status. 

Objective:

 1) To assess the nutritional status of adolescent girls using Body mass index. 

 2) To study the influence of physical activity on body mass index.

Methodology: Cross sectional study was carried out on 930 school going adolescent girls, Chidambaram. Nutritional status was assessed by Body Mass Index and pretested proforma was used to find out the physical activity. The study was conducted in four higher secondary schools in Chidambaram.

 Results:  Overweight and obesity in adolescent girls was 8.49% and 2.26% respectively. Significant association was seen between increase in Body Mass Index and not having adequate physical activity.

Conclusion:  Physical activity has an influence on occurrence of overweight and obesity in adolescent girls. Life style modification must be advised to prevent its occurrence.

Key words: Adolescent, physical activity, overweight, obesity.