Eating Disorders and Nutritional Status of College Girls in Ludhiana City, Punjab (India)

Eating disorders and overweight are notable health issues, which are increasing day by day among young adults. Therefore, the study was conducted to evaluate the extent and type of eating disorders among college girls. A sample of 500 college girls in the age group of 18-25 years was randomly selected from five colleges of Ludhiana city, Punjab. Eating disorders were assessed by using Eating Attitude Test (EAT) questionnaire and subjects were categorized into two groups - With Eating Disorders (WED) and Without Eating Disorders (WOED). Prevalence of eating disorders among college girls on basis of EAT scale was 46 percent with higher mean scores of oral control (15.86±6.29) followed by dieting (13.17±8.47), bulimia, and food preoccupation (3.86±1.98). The correlation coefficient showed positive associations of eating disorders with body mass index. This study suggested formulating nutrition and health fitness clubs in colleges to create awareness and practices regarding diet, exercise, and yoga.