30Apr 2015

NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND DIETARY PATTERN OF ADOLESCENT GIRLS OF KOTTAYAM TALUK

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Good nutrition and dietary behaviour are important during adolescence to achieve full growth potential and appropriate body composition, to promote health and well being, and to reduce the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. The physical, developmental and social changes that occur during adolescence can markedly affect eating behaviours and nutritional health. The period of adolescence for a girl is a period of physical and psychological preparation for safe motherhood. As the direct reproducers of future generations the health of adolescent girls influences not only their own growth, but also the health of future population. Thus a study was conducted on 500 adolescent girls (12-19 yrs) of kottayam Taluk of Kottayam District in Kerala to assess the nutritional status and dietary pattern. Anthropometric assessment revealed that the mean height and mean weight of adolescent girls were not reached NCHS standards whereas they met ICMR standards. Majority were having normal body mass index. The frequency of intake of leafy vegetables and fruits was very less. Meal-skipping was observed among 40.8% of the respondents and mostly (62.2%) skipped breakfast. Intake of protein, fat and calcium were at par with Recommended Dietary Allowance whereas consumption of energy, iron, vitamin C and folic acid was significantly lower than the RDA.


[Ramya R and Anooja Thomas (2015); NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND DIETARY PATTERN OF ADOLESCENT GIRLS OF KOTTAYAM TALUK Int. J. of Adv. Res. 3 (Apr). 0] (ISSN 2320-5407). www.journalijar.com


R.Ramya