Prevalence of Undernutrition and Overweight or Obesity Among the Bengali Muslim Population of West Bengal, India.
Poor nutritional conditions, as well as excess adiposity levels, are the major public health problems of developing countries like India. The aim of the present investigation were to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and overweight or obesity and their associations with certain socio-economic and demographic variables.
The present community-based cross-sectional investigation was undertaken among 420 adult Bengali Muslim individuals aged 18-59 years and residing in rural areas of Uttar Dinajpur district, West Bengal, India. Anthropometric measurements of height and weight were recorded using standard procedures and Body mass index
was calculated. Prevalence of undernutrition and overweight or obesity were determined using World Health Organization cut-offs.
The overall mean height , weight and BMI were observed to be significantly higher among men than women. The overall prevalence of undernutrition and overweight or obesity were observed to be 22.86% and 12.86%, respectively. The BLR analysis showed associations of lower age group and occupation with undernutrition. Overweight or obesity was also observed to be statistically significantly associated with smaller family size.
The present investigation indicates the simultaneous existence of double burden of malnutrition among the Bengali Muslim adults of West Bengal, India. Appropriate intervention programmes are necessary to improve the overall nutritional situation.
Prevalence of overweight or obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally. The rising prevalence of overnutrition in developing countries is largely due to rapid urbanization and changes in energy expenditure. Recent nutritional trend has shown that individuals/ populations belonging to the developing countries were observed to be particularly vulnerable to obesity-related diseases in addition to comorbidities.
Anthropol Open J. 2018; 3(1): 1-10. doi: 10.17140/ANTPOJ-3-115
