Nutritional status, eating habit and dietary/health perceptions among school going adolescents in Mumbai, India

This paper examines the nutritional status, dietary pattern and perceptions of school going adolescents in Mumbai, India with special focus on the differences between boys and girls. A largely structured, pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data. Height and weight of adolescents were measured. The study was conducted in four Schools in Mumbai, India. Data were collected from 540 adolescents who were studying in 8^th and 9^th standard from adolescents in two government run and two private schools.

The study shows a very high extent of under nutrition (70 percent) and relatively low extent of overweight/obesity (4.4 percent). A moderate extent of self reported nutritional deficiency disorders was reported. Eating habit of adolescents showed a pattern of skipping meals with breakfast being the most skipped meal. Significant difference exists in skipping meals between boys and girls; while more boys skip breakfast more girls tend to skip lunch or dinner. The consumption of snacks in between the meals is found considerably high (45%). There is a moderate understanding of nutritional diet among the selected adolescents but the observed nutritional status does not match with this. And, more males than females perceive their health status as excellent or good.

Nutritional status should become an important concern in adolescent targeted interventions. Adolescents need to be enlightened on the importance of nutrition, the consequences of skipping meals and on the quality of snacks consumed. The schools, both government and private, should recognise their responsibility in imparting nutrition education.