Comparative Assessment of two behavioural risk factors (Physical Inactivity and Unhealthy Diet) among obese Bengali women in rural and urban areas of West Bengal, India

Abstract

This study was aimed to assess dietary pattern and unhealthy dietary factors and to determine the prevalence of
physical inactivity among obese Bengali women in rural and urban areas of West Bengal. This study was conducted in
Hooghly district of West Bengal, India and 150 female subjects of 20-50 years age group were recruited for the study
considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Different physical, anthropometric and socio-demographic variables were
documented and dietary information was collected using questionnaire. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used
to collect information about physical activities. Daily energy comes mainly from carbohydrate in the diet of both groups.
Consumption of animal protein and dairy products, fruits, visible fat and sugar were significantly higher in urban group
whereas dietary fibre, green leafy and other vegetables, pulses and nuts intake was significantly high in rural group.
Physical inactivity prevalence was 64.0% in rural and 78.7% in urban and there was significant differences between rural
and urban group regard to all the anthropometric indices.
In summary, the behavioural risk factors are undoubtedly apprehensive and anthropometric indices are pointing out
towards associated possible metabolic risks which were poorer in urban group than rural. Further clinical investigation
along with proper intervention measure is indispensible.