Prevalence of obesity, weight perceptions and weight controlling practices among female college students in Kerala, India

Abstract

Obesity has been described as an epidemic which is spreading globally. Insufficient awareness regarding obesity and undue concern about weight issues have given rise to a spectrum ranging from increased morbidity, unhealthy diets to low self esteem, depression. Female college students and adolescents have been reported as the most vulnerable population in studies conducted by Mooney et al (Ireland), Davies and Fumham (Britain) and many other authors. Thus, the research question: What is the prevalence of obesity, weight perceptions and weight controlling practices undertaken by female college students in Kerala, India. A Cross-sectional survey was done among 497 girls in the age group 17-20 years studying in college. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect the socio-demographic data, data on weight control practices and weight perceptions. Weight was measured to the nearest 1 kg using a calibrated weighing machine and height was measured to the nearest 1 mm using a stadiometer. BMI categories: Underweight < 20, Normal 20-24.9, Overweight 25-29.9, Obese >30. The prevalence of obesity was found to be 4.6% while 46% were underweight even though 55% of the study population belonged to the affluent society. Concerning weight perception, 38.3% of students overestimated their weight and 31.3% underestimated their weight. 41.6% of normal weight and 46.7% of underweight subjects were dissatisfied and overestimated their weight, while 51.5% of the obese subjects have underestimated their weight. 30.67% of girls desired to lose weight out of which only 16% adopt exercise as their practice to lose weight while the rest adopt unhealthy dieting practices. 28% of the subjects skip breakfast as a means for the same. Conclusion: In this study the prevalence of obesity was found to be 4.6% which is significantly lower than that in developed countries. However, even though majority of the study population belonged to affluent society the prevalence of underweight was found to be 46%. More than 70% of the subjects have false perceptions regarding their weights. Majority of the subjects resort to unhealthy eating practices, as a means to control weight and this in turn may lead to hazardous effects in the future.