THE EFFECT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL AND CALORIC CONSUMPTION ON WEIGHT CUTOFFS IN YOUNG STUDENTS AND DEVELOPMENT OF A TARGETED SNACK BAR

Abstract

Young adults are crucial to the sustainable future of any community, making their physical and mental development, as well as overall well-being, a priority concern. This study examined the weight categories of 288 female college students, aged 18 to 20 years, in relation to their Physical Activity Level (PAL) and calorie consumption. Additionally, a snack bar was formulated to provide at least one-fifth of their daily calorie and nutritional needs. Data collection was carried out using a structured interview schedule, on their daily activity patterns, anthropometric measurements, and dietary intake. Based on Asia Pacific BMI cutoffs, the findings indicated that approximately 15% of the students were underweight, 18% had a normal weight, 48% were overweight, and 22% were obese, with overweight individuals being the largest group. PAL data showed majority of the students (78%) to be sedentary workers, followed by 20% with moderate and 2% with heavy physical activity levels. The dietary intake data revealed 28% students to consume less than 1660kcal daily, 34% to consume 1661-2130 kcal, and 37% to consume 2131-2720 kcal. Highly significant associations were found between PAL and BMI, energy intake and BMI, and PAL and energy intake. Following these results, a nutritious snack bar was developed using ingredients such as oats, dried dates, flax seeds, nuts, almonds, and jaggery. Sensory evaluation of the bar, based on a nine-point hedonic scale, yielded maximum mean score for colour (8.8±0.42), followed by taste (8.4±0.21), overall acceptability (8.3±0.48), texture (8.2±0.35)and flavor (7.9±0.48). A bar of 50g bar contained 418.25 kcal, 11.6g protein, 61.37g carbohydrates, 14.19g fats, and 4.05mg iron.