Evaluation of nutritional adequacy of families in three districts of Andhra Pradesh in post-pandemic period

Present study was undertaken to determine the nutritional adequacy of families in three districts of Andhra Pradesh in the post-pandemic period in the year 2021-2022. The study comprised 360 families covering both urban and rural areas in the three selected districts. Nutritional status was assessed in people in post-pandemic period by taking anthropometric measurements and 24-h dietary recall method. The percentage adequacy of both macro and micronutrients was assessed. The nutrients assessed were energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamin C, iron and calcium. The results indicated that the intake of nutrients was above the recommended allowances in case of fat and energy and below the recommended allowances for carbohydrate, protein, vitamin C, iron and calcium. In 30 per cent of the members who followed health conscious diet chart in post-pandemic period due to fear of dreadful pandemic situation, the body mass index (BMI) was found to be in normal limit. The nutritional status of majority of the members showed overweight or obese mainly for the reasons like irregular dietary timings, overeating habits and sedentary lifestyle. Of course, a small percentage of the subjects recorded underweight too because of non- consumption of nutritious food due to financial constraints.