Socio‐economic and seasonal patterns of adult energy nutrition in a South Indian Village

Abstract

Energy intake, weight, height, body fat and physical activity pattern of 296 men and 371 women in a rural S. Indian village were measured at four seasons of one year. Enegy intake values were consistent with the low body size but high levels of physical activity observed in both sexes. Socio‐economic status, defined by household land holding, had highly significant influences on energy intake, body weight and body fat content in both sexes. Seasonal patterns of energy intake and physical activity were more marked in women than in men, but there were no significant seasonal differences in body weight or body fat content in either sex. There was no significant interaction between socio‐economic and seasonal influences on energy nutrition. The lack of seasonal variation in body energy stores probably reflects the impact of recent irrigation on patterns of agricultural and economic activity in this area.