Anthropometry, Body Fat, Blood Pressure and Dietary nutrient Intake of Young Jain & Muslim Girls from Mumbai City -A comparative study

Anuradha Mitra; Subhadra Mandalika; Farheen Khan

Volume : VIII, Issue : II, February - 2019

Anthropometry, Body Fat, Blood Pressure and Dietary nutrient Intake of Young Jain & Muslim Girls from Mumbai City -A comparative study

Anuradha Mitra, Subhadra Mandalika, Farheen Khan

Abstract :

Objective: To study the differences and/or similarities (if any) between adolescent girls of Mumbai following Jainism and Islam. Methodology: A Total of 350 young girls (150 Jains, 200 Muslims) in the mean age of 16.8±1.3 years were assessed for anthropometry (height, weight, BMI, WC, HC, and WHR), Total body fat percentage, blood pressure and dietary nutrient intake (Energy, Macronutrient and Micronutrient intake) using standard methods. Correlation between these parameters was calculated using Pearson’s correlation. Results: Muslim girls had lower BMI, waist and hip circumference, but the WHR was slightly higher than Jain girls. Blood pressure was not different between the groups although Total body fat of Jains was higher. The micronutrient intake of all the girls was below their RDA, but Jains had better iron and calcium intake than Muslims. Dietary intake of energy and macronutrients were better among Muslim girls. Conclusion: Religion plays a vital role in the type of food we eat thus affect the nutrient profile of the diet. It further conditions the body composition which may determine the health status later in life.