A Assessment of Dietary Intake of Adult Females (18-30 years), Residing in Urban Area of Ajmer City

Abstract

The present research study was conducted on a sample of 147 young adult females falling in the age group of 18-30 years. The subjects were selected through convenience sampling from academic institutions of Ajmer city.  The subjects were divided into 3 groups on the basis of objective of weight management.  Group I consisted of subjects attempting to lose weight. Group II consisted of subjects attempting to maintain weight and group III consisted of subjects attempting to gain weight.  The assessment of dietary intake of the subjects was done through the 24-hour recall method and the analysis of the nutrient intake was done through an automatic software namely “Dietcal, version 9.”  The assessment of nutrient intake data showed that the mean intake of nutrients were always highest in subjects attempting to gain weight, while the mean intakes were lowest in subjects attempting to lose weight. The difference in the nutrient intake was found to be significant both within and between subjects of different groups (P<0.001).  The Mean energy intakes were found to be 76.15% of RDA, while the mean Protein intake was 102.30% of the RDA.  The Mean fat intake was 137.14% of the RDA, while the Mean Carbohydrate intake was 60.65% of the RDA.  Thus, the Protein and Fat intake were higher than the RDA. Such trends of food intake are found in urban areas which have been reported in other studies also. The assessment of the conscious limitation of the food intake on the Cognitive restraint subscale of the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire showed that the subjects attempting to Lose weight scored higher than the subjects attempting to maintain weight.  Thus, subjects attempting to lose weight consciously tried to limit food intake. Hence in order to lose or maintain weight appropriate guidance by a trained Nutritionist is desirable.