Assessment of metabolic syndrome and its causative factors among overweight/obese female college students
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Date
2018
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Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Abstract
A study was conducted to assess the metabolic syndrome and its causative factors among
overweight/obese female college students. For the prevalence of obesity, a sample of 120
undergraduate subjects falling in the age group 18-22 years were selected purposively from different colleges of Ludhiana, Punjab which were grouped into thirty normal, 42 overweight (BMI- 25-30
kg/m2) and 48 obese (BMI- >30 kg/m2) on the basis of BMI classification. Obesity was prevalent
among 40% of the subjects whereas, 35 per cent of the subjects were overweight. The consumption of bread was significantly (p 0.01) higher in overweight and obese group while the daily average consumption of parantha was higher in normal group. Out of three vegetable groups, higher
consumption of root vegetables such as potatoes was reported among all the subjects. Most of the snack items consumed by the subjects of the three groups were high in refined cereals, sugars and fats. Consumption frequency of snack foods mainly chocolates, pizza, burger and soft drinks was significantly (p 0.01) higher among the subjects of overweight and obese group. The average daily
intake of energy by the three groups was 95, 101 and 103 per cent of the Recommended Dietary
Allowances (RDA). The higher dietary intake of energy, protein, carbohydrates and fat were the most significant determinants of obesity among the subjects. Despite higher (p 0.01) energy intake, the intake of vitamins and minerals were significantly (p 0.01) higher in obese girls which may have
positive impact on their overall health. Parental higher education was positively (p 0.01) related with hemoglobin and HDL-C of the subjects. The metabolic syndrome factors showed a positive (p 0.01) relation with activities like watching television and use of smart phones. Though the three groups normal, overweight and obese subjects had sedentary lifestyle and lower physical activity level (PAL)
was observed among the subjects. Overweight and obese girls indulged themselves more frequently to fat and sugar rich snack foods than the normal girls. The foods which were found to be the major determinants of obesity were rice, root vegetables, pizzas, burger, chocolates and fried snacks. . The results show that MS was prevalent among 52 percent of obese subjects whereas, it was 12 per cent in
case of overweight group. The waist circumference was the major determinant factor for prevalence of MS among the subjects followed by fasting blood glucose. Based on the result of the study, it is recommended that nutrition awareness, importance of physical activity and self discipline needs to be promoted among young girls through various educational programs, so that they can achieve optimum body composition and desirable body weights despite their heredity and family history of obesity. There is need to educate parents as well.
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