A comparative study on the body image perception, physical activity practices and dietary pattern of the students studying nutrition and the students studying non- nutrition subjects.

Pages: 534-539
Riya Khurana (Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Sector- 43, Faridabad, Haryana)
Madhvi Awasthi (Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Sector- 43, Faridabad, Haryana)

Background: Studies suggest that body weight is directly linked to body image. Body image perception is how an individual thinks about his/ her body. Perceptions change with time due to change in body type and mood of an individual. Increase in concern regarding body image, body image perception both positive and negative are leading to paradigmatic shift in eating patterns, nutritional status etc. Though body image is a fairly researched field there are less comparative studies in Indian context.
Aim: The study was carried with the objective to study the effect of educational background on the eating habits of selected nutrition/ non nutrition students and to find a relation between eating practices and body perception of the nutrition and non- nutrition students.
Methods and materials: This study follows a cross sectional study design. A survey research was undertaken with the help of pre-standardized questionnaires.
Result: 42.85% nutrition students and 32% non- nutrition students were currently dieting to lose weight. In order to achieve their desired weight methods such as skipping meals (75.5% in nutrition and 78% in non- nutrition), fasting (28.5% in nutrition and 38% in non- nutrition) and starvation (12.24% in nutrition and 12% in non- nutrition) were being used by the participants. Analysis also showed that students of both the categories desired body silhouettes smaller than their current self. 24.48% nutrition participants and 22% non- nutrition participants had EAT score above 30 which displayed abnormal eating behavior.
Discussion: Widespread implementation of a program that supports and encourages social emotional learning (SEL) enhancing social- emotional competence of the students. Apart from imparting students intellectual, reflective, cultural knowledge; an effective education system should be able to teach young people to practice positive and safe health behaviors.