Background: Obesity is defined as the abnormal growth of adipose tissue due to enlargement of fat cell size or increase in their number or a combination of both. Adolescents are nutritionally vulnerable age group considering their increased nutritional needs, eating patterns, lifestyle and susceptibility to environmental influences. The present study was conducted with aims to access the prevalence of overweight and obesity among urban adolescents and to study various factors associated with overweight and obesity.Methods: A community based cross sectional study of 872 adolescents of both sexes in urban population of Pune, Maharashtra, India was conducted to assess prevalence and various factors influencing overweight and obesity, especially type of diet, frequency of junk foods, physical activity and sleeping habits. The Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) were used to define overweight and obesity as per WHO growth standards.Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in urban adolescents according to BMI were 17.4% and 6.9% respectively with overall prevalence being 24.3% but with Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) it was 43.1%. Risk factors in urban areas were consumption of fast/junk food, carbonated drink, physical inactivity while afternoon sleep was not a significant factor.Conclusions: This study showed an increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in urban adolescents especially in those who have more consumption of fast food, carbonated drink, those who were either inactive or engaged in physical activity for less than 30 min/day were strongly associated with overweight and obesity.
Background: Caffeine consumption has significantly increased over the last decade and is largely attributed to the lifestyle changes. Adverse effects of excess caffeine consumption vary from sleep disorders to dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Only a few studies are available in India regarding caffeine intake and its effects.Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted on students of medical and engineering college students of a private university during the period from 1st October 2016 – 30th April 2017 (Seven months). Semi open ended questionnaire was administered using an online tool. The data was entered into IBM SPSS 20 USA. Percentages were calculated and chi square test was applied to find out association between Medical and Engineering student’s caffeine consumption frequency and reasons. P value <0.05 was considered significant.Results: Of 200 participants, 90 (45%) were medical students. Mean age of the participants was 20.25±1.65 years. Twelve (13.3%) medical and 17 (15.5%) engineering students consumed coffee two-three times/day. Nineteen (21.1%) medical and 19 (17.3%) and engineering students respectively consume soft drinks two-three times a week. Thirty two (35.5%) medical and 35 (29.09%) engineering students drink coffee to remain alert. Nine (10%) medical and 11 (13.8%) engineering students have unsuccessfully tried to quit coffee. Fourteen (12.7%) engineering students showed withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, restlessness and nervousness.Conclusions: Engineering students were found to be consuming more caffeine stating reason as social pastime or to increase concentration. Withdrawal symptoms like caffeine cravings, nervousness and anxiety were observed more in engineering students.
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