Psycho-Social Determinants of Obesity

In modern India, Obesity is a prevailing health condition among the youngsters. It is a state where an individual has an excess accumulation of fat in his/her body. Overeating and physical inactivity are the major purported causes of obesity. Obesity is largely affected by eating patterns, sleeping patterns, lack of exercise, addictions, etc. This study examined the relationship between personal eating habits, family & neighbourhood food environment and obesity. For the objective of the study, a survey in form of scales was randomly carried on 180 college going students aged between 18 to 25 years belonging to different economic status about their personal habits and food environment (family and neighbourhood). Demographic variables like gender, age and type of family of the respondent was also taken into account. Data was analysed and it was found that socio-economic status had a significant effect on Personal Eating Habits, Family Food Environment, Neighbourhood Food Environment and BMI. Gender had a significant effect only on BMI. Obesity was positively related to unhealthy personal eating habits and unhealthy neighbourhood food environment. Healthy Family Food Environment had a negative impact on obesity. The potential influence of psychological & social factors affecting physical inactivity on obesity warrants further study.