Assessing the Nutrient Intake, Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity Level of Obese and Non-obese Women in Hisar District, India: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

The present study was conducted on thirty obese and thirty non-obese women (30-45 years) of Hisar district, Haryana to assess their mean nutrient intake, adequacy of intake of different nutrients, energy expenditure and physical activity level. The subjects did not exhibit any health complications and, overall, were in a state of good health. It was found that the mean intake of energy, protein, fat, folic acid and magnesium by respondents was comparable to Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) i.e 98 to 129 per cent of RDA.  But when assessed on parameter of adequacy it was found that only 50 to 53.3 percent of respondents consumed adequate protein. Intake of most of the nutrients (iron, β-carotene, folic acid) under study, by them, was marginally adequate to inadequate when compared to the recommended values (with few exceptions). Calcium intake of 50 per cent of non-obese women was adequate while iron intake of 66.7 per cent of them was 50 to 74.9 per cent of RDA. All the obese and non-obese women were sedentary workers and consumed more energy than their requirement. This low intake in their nutrient intake may be due to inadequate intake of protective foods and it was felt that they need awareness regarding balanced diet and endorse adoption of a healthy life style by including minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity in their daily routines.