Dietary Iron Intake, Hemoglobin Level and Related Health Parameters: Differences among Normal Weight, Overweight and Obese School Going Girls (10–12 Years)

Tejashree A. Joshi; Prajakta J. Nande

Volume : VII, Issue : XII, December - 2017

Dietary Iron Intake, Hemoglobin Level and Related Health Parameters: Differences among Normal Weight, Overweight and Obese School Going Girls (10–12 Years)

Tejashree A. Joshi, Prajakta J. Nande

Abstract :

The aim of the study was to see the differences in health status of normal weight, overweight and obese school going girls between the age of 10 yrs, 11 yrs and 12 yrs for dietary iron intake and hemoglobin level. In total 450 girls [50 each from normal weight (NW), overweight (OW) and obese (O) for every age group] were studied. Anthropometric measurements included standing height and body weight. Blood samples were tested for hemoglobin level. Respiratory rate was measured and VO₂max was derived by conducting 12 minute’s Cooper’s run–walk test. Result revealed that there is low dietary iron intake among overweight & obese girls in comparison with normal weight girls. Values of mean blood hemoglobin level for overweight & obese girls in comparison with normal weight girls were found to be low. Overweight girls were rated “fair” and obese girls were found to be “poor” for their mean VO₂max and they showed higher mean values of respiratory rate.