Dietary habits amongst medical students: An institution-based study

In recent times, with the increasing burden caused by the lifestyle diseases on the health sector, there has been a renewed interest in the relationship between food and health. Research regarding nutritional status in college students in western Maharashtra, India, has been found lacking. Therefore, this study was undertaken to ascertain the dietary habits in the undergraduate students of a health institute.

This questionnaire-based study was conducted amongst 130 students from a health university regarding their dietary attitudes and lifestyle practices. The students had the option of choosing more than one answer based on the nature of the question. All the data were tabulated and relevant inferences were drawn.

A total of 130 students comprising 74 girls and 56 boys from a health university participated in the study. Daily consumption of fruits and vegetables was only 1-2 portions for 98 (75%) of the participating students. Twenty-four (18%) participants were noted to be underweight and 11 (8%) students were either overweight or obese.

Thus, the findings of the study indicate that the diet and nutritional aspects of our future medical health professionals should be researched in further details and timely interventions initiated for ensuring the knowledge and practice of the WHO principles regarding the same to be incorporated.