Assessment of Nutritional Status of Undergraduate Students of the Islamia University Bahawalpur

Aim and Objective: The purpose of this research is to assess the nutritional status of undergraduate students at Islamia University Bahawalpur.

Methodology: It is a population-based descriptive study. The research is being carried out among undergraduate students at Islamia University Bahawalpur. The sample size was 430 students from various professional years, with 210 male students and 220 female students. The study period lasts six months. Nutri survey and SPSS are used to analyze the data. Nutritional Assessment Performa, a weight machine, and a measuring tape are research tools for data collection.

Results: In this study, 210 male students (48.8%) and 220 female students (51.2%) between the ages of 17 and 25 are included. Out of 430 people, 198 (46%) live at home and 232 (54%) live in a hostel. Height is categorized in 3 groups along with percentage including 4'9"-5'2" (32%), 5'3"-5'7"(46%) and 5'8"-6'(22%).Weight is categorized in 5 groups along with percentage including 40-50(26%), 51-60(32%), 61-70(16%), 71-80(20%) and 81-90(6%). 12 % of participants are found to be underweight, 62 % are found to be normal, 22 % are found to be overweight, and 4 % are found to be obese. In terms of physical activity, 68 % of participants are sedentary, 30 % are moderately active, and 2 % are vigorously active. According to WHO criteria, 48 % of participants are anaemic, with girls being more anaemic than boys. Anemia affects 38% of the female population, 10% of the male population, 8% of participants appear pallor, and 92 percent are normal. Calories on the Average 314 (73%) of students consume fewer calories than recommended, 49 (11% consume more calories than recommended), and 67 (16%) consume calories in balance.309(72%) participants are consuming carbohydrates in their diet less than 40% while 121(28%) are consuming carbohydrates more than 40%. 371 (86%) participants' protein intake in diet is less than 30%, while 59 (14% ) participants' protein intake in diet is greater than 30%, while 327 (76%) students consume fat less than 30% in their diet and 103 (24% ) consume fat greater than 30%.

Conclusion: Students are the future and backbone of any nation. Their health necessitates special attention. According to the current study findings, 26 percent of study participants are overweight or obese, and a further 12 percent are underweight, while 62 percent have a normal Body Mass Index. Modifications to one's lifestyle, dietary habits, and, especially, physical activity can aid in the resolution of this issue. Nutrition education sessions should be held for students to increase their knowledge and benefit of proper diet and its effect on their health.