Prevalence of obesity and its association with dietary preferences among women in an urban area of Prayagraj

Abstract

This study examined obesity prevalence among Prayagraj adult womenand to determine the relationship between women’s weight status and their eating habits and behaviours. The specific goals were to analyse the effects of participant demographic variables on BMI (body mass index) and the effects of participant dietary habits, eating behaviours, and practices on BMI. The anthropometric evaluation of chosen respondents included measurements of their height, weight, and body mass index. Utilizing well-constructed questionnaires, the meal frequency questionnaire approach was used to examine the eating/ nutritional habits of the participants. The findings revealed a high prevalence of overweight (11.1%), obesity grade-1 (36.1%) and obesity grade-2 (23.5%) were relatively high among the study participants. Normal weight participants were found to be (22.1%), while (7.2%) were underweight. In general, Prayagraj’s adult women have bad food habits. They are susceptible to chronic degenerative diseases because to their frequent consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor meals and sugar-sweetened beverages, as well as the absence of a range of nutritious items in their daily diets. In view of the rising incidence of obesity and food-related disorders, it is necessary to allow women to consume a healthier diet. To promote healthy eating habits among women, they include effective public health efforts such as food literacy courses.