Dietary Intake, Physical Activity and Body Mass Index among Postmenopausal Women.

CONTEXT

Nutrition plays a vital role in the quality of life in postmenopausal women.

AIM

The aim is to determine the dietary intake, physical activity, and assess the body mass index (BMI) among postmenopausal women.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

A community-based sample survey.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study included 140 postmenopausal women (40-70 years) from Udupi, Manipal areas of Karnataka. The study was carried out between July and December 2013. Sociodemographic data were collected using a questionnaire. Anthropometric data included height, weight, waist, and hip circumference. Dietary intake was determined using 24 h dietary recall. Physical activity information was collected.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 software. Paired -test was performed to determine the dietary adequacy.

RESULTS

Obesity was 42.1% among the study participants. Increased WHR and waist circumference were 82.1% and 77.1%. Mean daily intake of calcium and saturated fatty acids were significantly higher than recommended dietary allowance (RDA) ( < 0.001). Mean intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate, mono and poly unsaturated fatty acid, fiber and sodium were significantly lower than RDA ( < 0.001). Average daily intake of cereals, pulses, roots and tubers, meat and products, fats and oils, green leafy, and other vegetables were significantly ( < 0.001) lower than RDA. Intake of fruits, milk and milk products, and sugar was significantly higher ( < 0.001) than RDA. Only 37.1% of women performed moderate or active exercises regularly.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though, nutrient and food group deficiencies were observed among postmenopausal women physical inactivity and effects of menopausal transition instigate increased BMI imposing a need to educate on nutrition and physical activity.