© Kamla-Raj 2014 Stud Home Com Sci, 8(2-3): 89-96 (2014) A Comparison of Food and Nutrient Intake of Normal and Obese College Girls Aprajita Ranjit and Kiran Bains Department of Food and Nutrition, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India KEYWORDS Food Intake. Nutrient Intake. Body Mass Index. Body Fat. Urban. Rural ABSTRACT Thirty normal and thirty obese subjects from two colleges each from an urban and rural location were chosen randomly to study the underlying dietary causes of obesity and to understand rural-urban epidemiologic transition of obesity among youngsters. 29.4 and 34.6 percent higher BMI and body fat was observed among obese girls in comparison to normal girls, respectively. The higher dietary intakes of energy, protein, carbohydrates and fat were the most significant determinants of obesity among both urban and rural girls. Despite higher energy intake, the intake of vitamins and minerals were significantly (p< 0.01) higher in obese girls which may have positive impact on their overall health. The consumption of rice, root vegetables, whole milk, chocolates, biscuits and fried snacks were significantly (p< 0.01) higher in both urban and rural obese girls. Thus, nutrition awareness needs to be promoted among young girls through various educational programs, so that they can achieve optimum body composition and desirable body weights. Address for correspondence: Dr. Kiran Bains Department of Food and Nutrition, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India E-mail: kiranbains68@hotmail.com INTRODUCTION Obesity is a condition of excess fat in body that may increase both the size and number of fat cells. A healthy body requires a minimum amount of fat for the proper functioning of the hormonal, reproductive, and immune sys- tems. The fat also supports body as thermal in- sulation, as shock absorption for sensitive ar- eas, and as energy for future use. But the accu- mulation of too much storage fat can impair movement and flexibility, and can alter the appearance of the body. Being obese is a common condition, especially where food supplies are plentiful and lifestyles are seden- tary (National Institute of Health 1985). Obesity has become a global epidemic with an estimated 1.3 billion people overweight or obese. Its prevalence in developed countries, such as United States is high. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in United States indicated that an estimated 33.9 percent of US adults aged 20 and over are overweight, 35.1 percent obese and 6.4 percent are extremely obese (Ogden et al. 2014). However, obesity is not only a problem of developed nations but is also becoming an increasing problem in coun- tries undergoing epidemiological transition such as India, South Africa, Mexico and South Ameri- can countries (Goedecke et al. 2006). Prevalence of overweight / obesity among adolescents and young adults are being continuously reported from different states of India. Prevalence was high- er among adolescents from Tamil Nadu (BMI³ 25) even though the studies from Delhi used lower criteria (BMI ³ 23). Prevalence in Delhi was 18 percent (Misra et al. 2004), while in Tamil Nadu it was 20 percent (Ramachandran et al. 2002). Au- gustine and Poojara (2003) reported 24 percent prevalence of overweight / obesity (BMI > 23) among urban college going girls in Kerala. Although, the mechanism of obesity devel- opment is not fully understood, it is confirmed that obesity occurs when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure. Availability of a large vari- ety of foods these days offers an opportunity to the food lovers to try new dishes at social gath- erings. The recent proliferation of fast food res- taurants and convenience food markets encour- age the consumption of high-fat foods. Most of the time, this extra food provides more calories than are actually required which keeps on accu- mulating in adipose as fat. A comparison of diet and lifestyle of normal and obese girls from ur- ban and rural groups will pinpoint the underly- ing dietary causes of obesity. It will also help to understand rural-urban epidemiologic transition of obesity among youngsters as this has be- come a public health issue that characterizes the modern times and must be efficiently, addressed.