Food habits are worrying as many are under- nutrition

Hyderabad: For National Nutrition Week, observed between September 1 to 7, Karimnagar, Guntur and Srikakulam have been identified as high-risk areas where under- nutrition and anaemia are prevalent among pregnant women.

Deficiencies of Vitamin A, Iron and Iodine are the major deficiencies in these vulnerable groups. Lack of physical activity at all levels is giving rise to non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Dr A. Laxmaiah, head of the department of Community Studies at National Institute of Nutrition, said, “We are finding non-communicable diseases even among the rural population and in tribal areas. Whatever little is eaten is not properly utilised by the body. Physical activity has seen a dip in rural areas too.”

Nutritionists say creating awareness about foods and the appropriate foods for different age-groups is important. Dr Laxmaiah added, “Food has different nutritional components for a child, a middle-aged person and a senior citizen. If one wholesome meal is decided for all, then the nutritional components will differ causing deficiencies or diseases.”

Given these disparities, a model kit for undernourished children and a separate kit for women to deal with anaemia are being prepared. Senior NIN scientist Dr D. Raghunath, said, “We are also starting an ‘Urja’ (energy) kit for children in Kendriya Vidyalaya schools for children from Classes VI to X advising them about the body’s nutritional and energy requirements.”

These initiatives are being taken up to check the issues of deficiencies and diseases. This kit will be for children from classed VI to X where they will be told what foods they must have, what foods they must avoid, which food will give how much energy. Similarly, how much energy must be burnt.”

These initiatives are being taken up to arrest the issues of both disease and deficiency.

Cereals, pulses, fruits and vegetables are good for all age groups. Similarly, proteins are required to build muscles and also induce growth, hence children require it more than senior citizens. These variations make it very important for people at the mass level to understand which food is to be eaten when.

Given these disparities, a model kit for undernourished children and a separate kit for women to deal with anaemia are being prepared.