Original Research Article
Year: 2019 | Month: July-September | Volume: 4 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 31-34
Weight Perception and Weight Loss Practices among College Girls of City of South India
V.Bhavani1, Dr N. Prabhavathy Devi2
1Dietician, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, KK Nagar, Chennai
2Assistant Professor, Queen Mary’s College, Chennai
ABSTRACT
The present study explored the weight perception and weight loss practices of the college girls in Chennai. Being a metropolitan city, Chennai college girls concentrate more on fitness and weight loss practices. But unfortunately many girls do not follow the correct methods of weight loss practices. Due to wrong practices and perceptions, they are more prone to macro and micro nutrient deficiencies. About 500 college going girls were randomly selected, interview schedule was used to collect the information about their weight perception and weight loss practices. Obtained information was subjected to statistical analysis. Our study reported that only about 36% mentioned that they looked normal and about 32% want to maintain their present weight. Weight loss practices were followed by 45% of the participants. About 27% and 15% practiced increased physical activity pattern and reduced food intake respectively reduce weight. Slimming down was the reason mentioned by 43% of the participants to reduce weight. Nutrition Education programs must be conducted to impart nutrition knowledge to the students to follow correct nutritional practices.
Key words: Body Image, Body weight, Eating pattern, Meal skipping, Weight loss , Zero Figure