Obesity measures, metabolic profiles, blood pressure and intake of dietary fatty acids in rural women of Asian Indian origin: Santiniketan women study

Rural women in the Bolpur-Santiniketan region of West Bengal, India, exhibit distinct obesity measures and metabolic profiles that may contribute to rising cardiovascular disease risks. The study found mean body mass index (BMI) at 23.07 ± 4.34 kg/m², with 31.76% ± 7.06% body fat, and waist-hip ratio at 0.83 ± 0.06, indicating central obesity trends. Blood pressure averages were 118.84 ± 20.35 mmHg systolic and 77.77 ± 12.12 mmHg diastolic, while metabolic markers like total cholesterol (185.61 ± 25.19 mg/dL) and triglycerides (135.82 ± 30.39 mg/dL) reflected elevated risks. Dietary intake analysis revealed high total energy consumption (8321.60 ± 1354.86 kcal/week), with notable intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, 82.02 ± 49.73 g/week) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA, 94.01 ± 16.38 g/week). These findings underscore the need for targeted dietary guidelines to mitigate cardiovascular disease incidence in this population.

Minakshi, B., & Arnab, G. (2011). Obesity measures, metabolic profiles, blood pressure and intake of dietary fatty acids in rural women of Asian Indian origin: Santiniketan women study. Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research, 2(1), 61–67. https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-3583.78599