Body Mass Index and Chronic Energy Deficiency among Adults of Tharu Population, Uttarakhand, India

Objectives: A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional profile and nutritional status based on BMI of adult Tharu, a tribal population of Uttarakhand, India. Methods: A total of 176 adult (aged > 18 years) Tharus of four villages of Udham Singh Nagar District, Uttarakhand, India, were studied. Height, weight has been taken as anthropometric measurements and BMI was calculated to ascertain nutritional status. Results: Overall, the extent of under-nutrition (BMI < 18.5) was found to be moderately high (22.2%) especially among old aged individuals. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the prevalence of undernutrition between males (26.2%) and females (18.9%). Conclusion: It is suggested that some immediate nutritional intervention programmes are needed for implementation among Tharu community of Uttarakhand, especially among old age individuals.