Snacking pattern of residents of Vadodara: a pilot study.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally and is a major contributor to the global burden of chronic diseases. Dietary factors are the major modifiable factors through which many of the external forces promoting weight gain act. Thus, with the objective of examining the snacking pattern of the people living in Vadodara city, a cross-sectional study was conducted among the urban population of Vadodara city. In all 60 households were surveyed, 15 from each ward representing each zone. Qualitative data was collected in a pre-structured questionnaire by interviewing the subjects through house to house visits. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel package. The prevalence of overweight and obesity by Asia pacific classification was found to be 21.7% and 48.3% respectively. The major type of snacks consumed by the people was found to be shallow fried foods, bakery products and deep fried foods. Thus, there is a need to promote healthy snacking habits among the people of Vadodara.

Nutritional determinants of fitness in tennis players in Vadodara city.

With the objective of assessing the role of nutrition and physical training on fitness in tennis players of Vadodara city, we conducted this study, employing a case-control design, wherein, 46 players from a tennis academy and 46 age and sex matched controls were studied. Socio-economic attributes, anthropometric measurements, physical fitness tests, nutrient intakes, energy expenditure, blood hemoglobin and mental well-being of the participants were evaluated using the standard protocols. BMI, WHR and weight/WC did not vary among the tennis players and controls. Nutrient intake (macronutrients and iron) and energy expenditure were significantly higher in tennis players than controls. Physical fitness and iron sufficiency were significantly higher in tennis players. Majority (75%) demonstrated good level of mental well-being. Hemoglobin levels correlated significantly with total fitness scores (r=0.26, p<0.005). To conclude, macronutrient intake and hemoglobin levels emerged as significant determinants of fitness levels of tennis players.