Trends in nutritional status and nutrient intakes and correlates of overweight/obesity among rural adult women (≥18-60 years) in India: National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB) national surveys.

OBJECTIVE: To assess trends in nutrient intakes and nutritional status of rural adult women (≥18-60 years) and the association of sociodemographic characteristics with overweight/obesity. DESIGN: Community-based cross-sectional studies carried out during 1975-79 to 2011-12 by the National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB) were used. Anthropometric measurements such as height, weight and waist circumference, carried out during the surveys, were used. Association and logistic regression analyses between sociodemographic characteristics and overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity were conducted using a complex samples procedure. SETTING: Ten NNMB states of India. SUBJECTS: Non-pregnant and non-lactating rural women aged ≥18-60 years covered during the above periods from ten states in India. RESULTS: The prevalence of chronic energy deficiency has declined from 52 % during 1975-79 to 34 % during 2011-12, while that of overweight/obesity has increased from 7 % to 24 % during the same period. Median intakes of most of the nutrients have increased over the same period, although they were below recommended levels. The chance of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity was significantly (P<0·01) higher among women aged 40-60 years, those belonging to Christian religion and other backward communities, women living in pucca houses, literate women, women engaged in service and business, and those having higher per capita income. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of chronic energy deficiency has declined significantly; however, overweight/obesity has increased during the same period. This increase in overweight/obesity may be attributed to increased consumption of fatty foods, sedentary lifestyle and improved socio-economic status. There is a need to educate the community about regular physical exercise, low intakes of fats and oils, and a balanced diet.

Prevalence of chronic energy deficiency in rural-dwelling older Indian adults during a period of severe drought.

The prevalence of chronic energy deficiency (CED = BMI < 18.5) among older adults (≥60 years) was assessed utilizing a large data set from a community-based cross-sectional study carried out in severely drought-affected rural areas of India. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight) were recorded for a total of 3,147 individuals, and a family diet survey (one day 24-hour recall) was carried out in 1,900 households (HHs) from 190 villages. As per the Body Mass Index (BMI), the prevalence of CED was 51.1% and 48.5% among older males and females, respectively. It was higher (p < 0.001) in the 70 years and older age group compared with those aged 60-69 years. In general, the prevalence of CED was higher (p < 0.001) for those belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes, for HHs of agricultural and non-agricultural labor, and for marginal or small farmers. The prevalence of CED was relatively lower (p > 0.05) among older adults during the drought period compared with the non-drought period. This could be attributed to intervention programs initiated by the government of India during the drought. These findings illustrate the value of intervention programs in drought-afflicted and drought-prone areas and underscore the importance of monitoring the nutritional status of older adults so that appropriate programs can be initiated as needed.