Assessment of relationship between Hemoglobin and BMI levels in female college students and influence of diet and physical activity on these parameters

Abstract

Anaemia and nutritional status through Body Mass Index (BMI) are two key indicators in National Family Health Survey of India. The objective of the study is to determine the correlation between Hemoglobin (Hb) and BMI values and to understand the effect of diet and physical activity on these two parameters amongst college girl students. A questionnaire covering food habits and physical activity of 200 female students (18-22 years age) was used for data analysis along with Hb and BMI values of the same subjects. No significant association was found between Hb and BMI values, but a significant association was found between physical activity and BMI. Diet consumption which included leafy and other vegetarian diet, eggs and meat has shown significant contribution for high Hb levels. The present study strongly provides evidence based conclusion for the relationship between diet, nutrition and Hb levels as well physical activity and BMI. A multiple regression model was developed to estimate Hb levels based on their food habits.