Abstract

Dr Ummai Afshan, Dr Shubhi Agarwal, Dr Geetha Santhosh

ABSTRACT

Obesity is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an accumulation of excessive body fat leading to health risks, is a growing concern globally. According to recent data, obesity rates in India have significantly increased, especially among women. Against this backdrop, a study was conducted at the Bienestar Homeopathy Clinic with the aim of evaluating the impact of a tailored nutrition education program on the anthropometric measurements and biochemical profile of obese women. The study sought to evaluate the program's effectiveness by analyzing its impact on anthropometric and biochemical profiles. The objectives of the study were to assess anthropometric measurements in obese women before and after the nutrition education program, to assess physical activity levels before and after the program, and to develop a nutrition education module specifically for obese women. A quasi-experimental design recruited obese women who were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups and provided nutrition education on dietary and lifestyle changes. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, dietary intake, and physical activity levels were assessed before and after a two-month intervention. The intervention group showed significant improvements in anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters. Post nutrition education programme, weight decreased from 94.90 kg to 93.70 kg, BMI from 36.52 kg/m² to 36.06 kg/m², waist circumference decreased from 109.05 cm to 108.52 cm, and hip circumference from 118.77 cm to 118.45 cm, all significant at the 1 percent level. Fasting blood sugar dropped from 84.3 mg/dl to 81.82 mg/dl, and cholesterol decreased from 194.48 mg/dl to 186.55 mg/dl, both significant at the 1 percent level. Physical activity levels increased significantly on working and non-working days (5 percent level). Dietary analysis showed significant decreases in energy, protein (5 percent level), carbohydrate, and fat intake (1 percent level) post-intervention. The nutrition education program significantly improved dietary habits, physical activity, and anthropometric and biochemical parameters among obese women.