Dietary Habits and Life Style Among Pre-university College Students in Raichur, India

Background: Worldwide, obesity trends are causing serious public health concern and in many countries threatening the basic health care delivery. It is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.In recent decades we are witnessing increase in obesity prevalence even among children & adolescents. This changing trends is mainly been attributed to life style and dietary habits of our youngsters. So this study intends to know the dietary habits & life style of adolescents of Raichur town. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted at pre-university college;during august 2012 to October 2012. A total of 384students from 1^st and 2^nd PUC participated in the study. A pre tested semi structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Variables collected were socio-demographic, lifestyle, exercise and dietary habits. The data was then analysed using SPSS 16. Results were presented as proportions andassociations were tested using chi square test. Results: Out of 384 students, 45.6 % were male and 54.4% were females. The mean age was 16.75 yrs. 184(48%) students were predominantly vegetarians. 176 (45.8%)reported consumptionof junk food more than once in a week while 338 (88%) reported to use fruits and vegetables occasionally in their diet. Only 147 (38.3%)students walked at least for 30 minutes and did exercise daily. Conclusion: Unhealthy dietary habits are still very much prevalent among adolescents. Obesity is also showing increasing trend among those having such poor dietary habits and life style.