ASSESSMENT OF DIETARY INTAKE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PATTERN OF ADULT GIRLS STUDENTS

Background and Objectives: Transition from high school to college can be a stressful time for young adults. Being more independent they have to work with greater dedication with good management skills. This stress is perhaps responsible for the care free attitude towards their eating habits and physical activity. This was particularly so in females. This study was designed to assess the dietary pattern and physical activity pattern of adult girls from 18 – 21 years of age of college of Home Economics, Lahore. Methodology: It was a cross sectional study and a questionnaire was developed. The data collected through 24-hour recall method. Results: Only 22% consumed three meals a day and 31% of the girls took breakfast every day. Majority of the students consumed snacks on regular basis. Peers may have a great influence on teenager’s eating habits. The most frequently consumed cereals by the students were rice, chapatti and bread. It was found that consumption of milk, fruits and vegetables was limited in the students. There were 92% students who did not fulfill their dietary recommendation of fruit and vegetables and 47% of the students consumed cold drinks and 40% avoided milk. Custard and ice cream were the most ingested milk based dessert. Majority of the students were moderately active and 8% students were leading a sedentary lifestyle. Conclusion: The majority of the students had a BMI in the normal range and it was found that nutrient intake and dietary habits among adolescents was not up to the mark. The reasons of low consumption were lack of knowledge and awareness regarding the recommendations for this age, time constraints, availability and accessibility, parental and environmental influences and preferences to other food groups rather than milk and milk products.