Undernutrition in the Kora Mudi tribal population, West Bengal, India: a comparison of body mass index and mid-upper-arm circumference.

BACKGROUND: Undernutrition among adult tribal women is a major health problem in India. OBJECTIVES: To compare the utility of two different anthropometric indicators of chronic energy deficiency (CED) among tribal Kora Mudi women and to determine which of these two is a better indicator of undernutrition. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 123 individuals was conducted. The body mass index (BMI) and mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) were used to evaluate CED. RESULTS: The prevalence of CED based on BMI less than 18.5 was 55.3%, and the prevalence of CED based on MUAC less than 22.0 cm was 51.2%. Both of these prevalence rates are classified in the very high-prevalence category (> or = 40%) and indicate a critical situation according to World Health Organization recommendations. Mean BMI increased significantly with higher quartile of MUAC. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of CED between the MUAC quartiles. The risk ratio for CED for women in the lowest quartile of MUAC was 9.33 compared with those in the highest quartile. There was a significant positive association between MUAC and BMI. Regression analysis demonstrated that MUAC had a significant positive impact on BMI; the percentage of the variation in BMI explained by MUAC was 52%. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that overall, 82.11% of cases of CED were correctly classified with the use of MUAC. The use of MUAC correctly diagnosed 82.35% of cases of CED and 81.82% of women with normal nutritional status. CONCLUSIONS: This population was facing severe nutritional stress. With limited resources and in the absence of skilled manpower, it may be more appropriate to use MUAC for human population surveys, particularly among tribal populations of developing countries.

Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve estimation of low birth weight based on maternal early third trimester weight among Bengalee women of Kolkata, India.

The cross-sectional hospital based study was undertaken to provide an efficient and useful cut off point of maternal early third trimester weight, for low birth weight (LBW), based on receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve among Bengalee mothers of Kolkata, India. A total of 233 mother-baby pairs were included in the present analysis. The means for maternal age and weight were 23.44 (SD = 3.88) years and 49.45 (7.19) kg, respectively. Means for gestational age and birth weight were 38.97 (1.12) week and 2664 (324) gm, respectively. The ROC curve analysis showed maternal weight < 48.0 kg as the best cutoff point of LBW. Data showed maternal weight < or = 48.0 kg had significantly higher OR (OR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.56-5.51) for delivering LBW baby. In conclusion, the cut-off point of maternal early third trimester weight < or = 48.0 kg could be used for nutritional intervention programs in order to combat LBW among this population.

Extreme levels of underweight and stunting among pre-adolescent children of low socioeconomic class from Madhyamgram and Barasat, West Bengal, India.

A cross-sectional study on 1206 children (788 boys, 618 girls) aged 1-12 years, belonging to low socioeconomic status, of Barasat and Madhyamgram, West Bengal, India, was undertaken to investigate age and sex variations in height and weight. It also evaluated the levels of underweight and stunting among them. Anthropometric measurements included weight and height. Weight-for-age (WA) and height-for-age (HA) <-2 z-scores were used to evaluate underweight (UW) and stunting (ST), respectively, following the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Guidelines. Results showed that boys aged 4 and 11 years were significantly heavier than girls of corresponding ages. Boys aged 7 years were significantly taller than girls of the same age. Significant (p < 0.001) age differences existed in mean weight and height in boys (weight: F = 336.762; height: F = 565.160) as well as girls (weight: F = 275.320; height = 498.715). Results also revealed that the mean z-scores of WA (WAZ) and HA (HAZ) were less than (negative values) those of NCHS for both sexes at all ages. The overall (age combined) rate of UW was 60.4% and 51.3%; while that of ST was 51.7% and 48.4%, in boys and girls, respectively. Based on World Health Organization classification of severity of malnutrition, the prevalence of UW and ST were very high (> or = 30%) in both sexes. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the prevalence of UW and ST were very high among the subjects. Since the nutritional status of the subjects is not satisfactory, there is need for immediate supplementary nutrition.

Undernutrition among adult Dhimals of Naxalbari, West Bengal: comparison with other tribes of eastern India.

BACKGROUND: The tribes of India comprise approximately 8% of the total population of the country, which probably has the largest number of tribal communities in the world. In general, the tribal populations are among the most underprivileged and undernourished people in India. OBJECTIVES: To determine the anthropometric characteristics and prevalence of undernutrition, based on body mass index (BMI), of adult Dhimals, a tribal population of Naxalbari, West Bengal, India, and to compare these results with those from four other tribes of Eastern India: the Bathudis, Kora Mudis, Santals, and Savars. METHODS: A total of 305 adult (18 years or older) Dhimals (159 men and 146 women) from three villages (Maniram, Hatighisa, and Buraganj) in the Mallabari area of Naxalbari were studied. These villages are located 5 km from Siliguri town, which is approximately 580 km from Kolkata, the provincial capital of West Bengal. Anthropometric measurements included height and weight. BMI was calculated by the standard equation. Undernutrition was evaluated according to World Health Organization (WHO) cutoff points. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of undernutrition (BMI < 18.5) was very high (36.4%). The prevalence was significantly higher in women than in men (46.4% vs. 27.0%; chi2 = 12.54; p < .001; odds ratio, 2.35). According to the WHO criterion, the prevalence of undernutrition was high and the situation was serious in men. Among women, the prevalence of undernutrition was very high and the situation was critical. However, in general, compared with other tribal people of eastern India except the Santals, adult Dhimals had better anthropometric and nutritional profiles. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that although the anthropometric and nutritional profiles of adult Dhimals are better than those of some of the other tribal populations of eastern India, immediate appropriate nutritional intervention programs are needed for implementation among this ethnic group.

Pottels Equation for Estimation of Glomerular Filtration Rate.

The retrospective study was carried out to examine performance of Pottels height- independent equation compared to Schwartzs height-dependent equation to estimate glomerular filtration rate in 115 children in Indian setting. The Pottels equation performed well compared to updated Schwartz equation (R2=0.94, mean bias 0.25, 95% LOA=20.4, -19.9). The precision was better at lower range of estimated GFR.

Nutritional status of adult Santal men in Keonjhar District, Orissa, India.

BACKGROUND: Although tribal people constitute a sizable proportion of India's population, there is little information on their anthropometric and nutrition status. OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to study the anthropometric characteristics of adult Santal males. It also attempted to evaluate their nutritional status based on body-mass index (BMI) and mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted of adult (aged > 18 years) male Santals, a tribal population of Keonjhar District, Orissa, India. A total of 332 Santals from five villages (Gourshinga, Kashibera, Kumunia, Majhisahi, and Sonatangri) in the Anandapur Region of Keonjhar District were included in the study. These villages are located approximately 150 km from Bhubaneswar, the provincial capital of Orissa. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, and MUAC, were performed according to a standard protocol. Nutritional status was evaluated on the basis of internationally accepted cutoff points of BMI and MUAC. RESULTS: The mean height, weight, MUAC, and BMI of the men were 162.5 cm, 51.7 kg, 23.7 cm, and 19.6 kg/m2, respectively. The prevalence of undernutrition (chronic energy deficiency [CED]) based on BMI was 26.2%; 3.3%, 3.9%, and 19.0% had grades III, II, and I CED, respectively. According to MUAC cutoff points, the prevalence of undernutrition was 33.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The level of undernutrition among adult Santal males was high. Appropriate nutritional intervention programs should be implemented immediately.

Age variations in anthropometric and body composition characteristics and underweight among male Bathudis--a tribal population of Keonjhar District, Orissa, India.

A cross-sectional study of 226 male Bathudis, a tribal population of Keonjhar District, Orissa, India, was undertaken to investigate age variations in anthropometric and body composition characteristics and the frequency of underweight. The subjects were categorized into three age groups: Group I: < 30 years, Group 11: 30-49 years, Group III: 2 50 years. Height, weight, circumferences and skinfolds data were collected. Body mass index (BMI) and several body composition variables and indices were derived using standard equations. Results revealed that there existed significant negative age variations for most of the anthropometric and body composition variables and indices. Correlation studies of age with these variables and indices revealed significant negative correlations. Linear regression analyses revealed that for all these variables, age had a significant negative impact. It was also observed that with increasing age, there was an increase in the frequency of underweight individuals. In conclusion, this study showed that among Bathudi men, age was significantly negatively related with anthropometric and body composition variables and indices. Furthermore, with increasing age, the frequency of underweight individuals increased.

Routine use of antimicrobials by pregnant Indian women does not improve birth outcome: a randomized controlled trial.

Low birth-weight is a leading health problem in developing countries. In a randomized controlled trial, the effect of antimicrobials in pregnant women on improving birth-weight and duration of gestation was evaluated. Two hundred twenty-four pregnant women in their second trimester were randomized to receive metronidazole (200 mg 3 times daily for 7 days) and cephalexin (500 mg twice daily for 5 days) orally by one group. The mean (+/-SD) birth-weights were 2,545 g (+/-374) and 2584 g (+/-358, p=0.51), the low birth-weight rates (<2.5 kg) were 40% and 36% (p = 0.28), and the prematurity rates were 8% and 11% (p = 0.6) in the treated group and the control group respectively. Due to small sample size, it is cautiously concluded that routine antimicrobials for genital and urinary tract infections of pregnant women do not improve birth-weight or duration of gestation. Rather an unexpected observation was the proportion requiring caesarian section or forceps, which was five-fold higher in the treated group (p = 0.001), and given no plausible explanations, this finding needs confirmation. Stunted mothers (<25th centile or 146.4 cm) had two-fold higher risk for low birth-weight (p = 0.04) and assisted delivery (p = 0.1). Low maternal body mass index (<25th centile or 18) had six-fold higher risk for stillbirth or abortion (p = 0.007), and high body mass index (>75th centile or 21.2) had three-fold higher risk for assisted delivery (p = 0.003).

Comparative study of clinical efficacy of amitriptyline and pregabalin in postherpetic neuralgia.

The most common complication of herpes zoster in immunocompetent patients is postherpetic neuralgia, which is very difficult to treat. Significant beneficial effects have been found for amitriptyline, gabapentin, pregabalin, carbamazepine, sodium valproate, oxycodone, corticosteroid, topical capsaicin, tramadol, etc. The aim of this open randomized comparative study was to demonstrate clinical efficacy of amitriptyline and pregabalin. The study included 50 patients, 32 (64%) male and 18 (36%) female, randomized to receive either amitriptyline or pregabalin (n=25 each). Amitriptyline was administered in a dose of 25 mg once daily and pregabalin in a dose of 75 mg twice daily. Inclusion criteria were as follows: postherpetic neuralgia of more than 1 month duration; pain of at least moderate severity; and patient age 40 years or older and no pregnancy. Patients with a history of any serious diseases (renal, cardiac, hepatic or seizure) were excluded. Total treatment period spanned 8 weeks, with patient follow up visits at 2, 4 and 8 weeks to assess the degree of improvement in pain perception and any adverse reaction. Patients with four herpes zoster types were included in this study, of which thoracic type predominated (54%). Other types were cervical in 12 (24%), trigeminal in 8 (16%) and lumbosacral in 3 (6%) patients. Prodromal symptoms before herpes zoster were reported by 66% of study patients. Satisfactory improvements of pain perception at the end of 8 weeks (>75%) were noticed in pregabalin group, which was statistically significant (χ(2)2=10.08; P<0.05). Dry mouth was the commonest complication in amitriptyline group and dizziness in pregabalin group. More importantly, none of the patients stopped treatment due to adverse reaction. In conclusion, therapy with pregabalin is better compared to amitriptyline in postherpetic neuralgia patients. However, a similar study in a larger sample is required to validate the present findings.

Prevalence of undernutrition among Kora-Mudi children aged 2-13 years in Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal, India.

BACKGROUND: nutritional status of tribal children in West Bengal has not been investigated adequately. The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting in Kora-Mudi children of Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India. METHODS: a cross sectional study was undertaken in two villages of the Paschim Medinipur District. Of 119 children aged 2-13 years, 59 boys and 60 girls were studied. Height and weight measurements were made by standard techniques. Children were considered as underweight, stunting and wasting if their weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height Z-scores <-2.0 SD of the National Center for Health Statistics reference standards. RESULTS: the overall prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was 52.9%, 49.6% and 22.7%, respectively. About 16.0%, 24.4% and 1.7% of children were found to be severely underweight, stunted and wasted. The prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was higher in preschool children than in school going children. The chance of underweight, stunting and wasting was 1.80, 1.10 and 1.58 times greater in preschool children than in school going children. Moreover, the prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was higher in boys than in girls. The boys had 1.45, 1.66 and 2.02 times greater risk to be underweight, stunted and wasted. According to the WHO classification of severity in malnutrition, the overall prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was as high as ≥ 30%, ≥ 40 and ≥ 15%. CONCLUSIONS: the nutritional status of Kora-Mudi children in West Bengal is critical. Appropriate measures should be taken by the respective authorities to improve childhood health and nutritional status.

Knowledge and information on psychological, physiological and gynaecological problems among adolescent schoolgirls of eastern India.

BACKGROUND: Sex education aims to reduce the risks of potentially negative outcome from sexual behavior such as fear and stigma of menstruation, unwanted and unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Hence, this study was conducted to determine sex education knowledge level of school going adolescents in semi urban area of Midnapore, West Bengal, India. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two selected premier secondary school of girls in the Midnapore Town from September - October 2007. A total of 521 adolescent aged 10-19 years were selected randomly from two secondary schools of girls. However, schools were selected purposively. All information was collected by using open-ended pre-tested questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the total subjects 94.2% of them were in the age of 13-16 years. Nearly, 94% respondents reported their age at menarche and maximum i.e. 54% respondents experienced in the age of 11 - 13 years. It was observed that 18%, 60.7% and 21.3% of the respondents had good knowledge, moderate or some knowledge and very poor knowledge of puberty, pubertal problems and their prevention. Thirty three percent said that they had faced one or some other kind of physical problems and out of them 60% indicated that they had visited to a doctor for their problems. The suffering of any gynecological problems had 2.48 (95% CI: 1.42 - 4.36) and 1.94 (95% CI: 1.01 - 3.73) times greater among subjects with little or some knowledge and minimum or no knowledge compare to subjects with good knowledge of sex education. CONCLUSION: Thus, the results show that not only knowledge regarding sex education was poor among the subjects but also their knowledge regarding sexual infections including AIDS was not satisfactory. School based sex education programs are particularly good at providing information, skills development and attitude clarification in more formal way through lesson within the curriculum. Therefore, appropriate sex education program should be initiated from the adolescence to prevent health hazards.

Maternal height as an independent risk factor for neonatal size among adolescent bengalees in kolkata, India.

BACKGROUND: Low Birth Weight is a major public health problem in developing countries. The causes of LBW are multifactorial including complication during pregnancy, genetic, environmental, social-cultural, demographic and nutritional variables. Comparison of anthropometric risk factors for neonatal size of adolescent mothers are lacking from West Bengal. Therefore, this study was undertaken to identify maternal anthropometric characteristics, which most strongly influence neonate weight and length among Bengalee mothers. METHODS: A hospital based cross-sectional study was undertaken during 2004 in a Government general hospital in South Kolkata, India. A total of 76 adolescent (age<20years) pregnant women were enrolled from obstetric ward who were admitted for delivery. Due to 4 perinatal deaths; a total of 72 adolescent mother- baby pairs were included in this analysis. Anthropometric measurements were undertaken immediately after delivery following stabilization as well maternal body mass index (BMI) was calculated using standard formula. RESULTS: The prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) in the present study was 52.8%. The results revealed that 30.6% of mothers were undernourished (BMI<19.8 kg/m(2)). It was noted that about 64% of undernourished mothers delivered LBW baby. Linear regression analyses of neonatal weight and length as dependent variables revealed that in both cases, maternal height had the most significant impact. It showed 12.9% (birth weight) and 16.1% (birth length) of variation. Moreover, the proportion of LBW was 75%, 52.3% and 25% among short (height ≤145 cm), average (146-155cm) and tall (>155cm) mothers (x(2)=6.855, p<0.01), respectively. Short mothers had 2.74 and 9.0 fold greater risk of delivering LBW baby than average and tall mothers. In contrast, mean birth weight and length of baby was lower in short mother than their counterparts. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that maternal height had the strongest significant impact on neonate size. This strong association could have serious health implications for Bengalee adolescent mothers. However, since this is a preliminary finding, it needs validation using a larger sample of adolescent mothers.

Relationship of family income and house type to body mass index and chronic energy deficiency among urban Bengalee male slum dwellers of Kolkata, India.

A cross-sectional study of 469 adult (>18 years) Bengalee male slum dwellers of Dum Dum, Kolkata, India, was undertaken to study the relationships of family income and house type with body mass index (BMI) and chronic energy deficiency. The overall frequency of chronic energy deficiency was 32.0%. Based on the World Health Organization classification, the prevalence of chronic energy deficiency among this population was high and thus the situation is serious. Overall, monthly family income was significantly positively correlated with BMI. Significant differences in mean weight, BMI and monthly family income, were observed between the two house type groups. All values were found to be significantly higher in the brick household group who also earned a comparatively higher income as evident from the mean monthly family income values. The prevalence of chronic energy deficiency was also found to be significantly higher in the bamboo-fenced household group. Subjects belonging to the lowest family income group had the lowest mean BMI and the highest rate of chronic energy deficiency while those in the highest family income group had the largest mean BMI and lowest rate of chronic energy deficiency. There was a significant family income group difference in mean BMI. There existed significant differences in chronic energy deficiency rates in family income group categories. Linear regression analyses showed that monthly family income and house type had a significant impact on BMI. Subsequent multiple regression analyses revealed that both monthly family income and house type had a significant impact on BMI, even after controlling for each other.

Mid-upper arm circumference as a measure of nutritional status among adult Bengalee male slum dwellers of Kolkata, India: relationship with self reported morbidity.

This cross-sectional study was undertaken to investigate the relationship of mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) with body mass index (BMI) and the self reported morbidity status. This was to assess the reliability of MUAC as a measure of nutritional and overall physical health status among the adult (> 18 years) Bengalee male slum dwellers of Kolkata, (India). Data on height, weight, MUAC and self reported morbidity were analysed for 474 individuals. The BMI was computed following the standard formula. Classification of chronic energy deficiency (CED) was done following the WHO guidelines. The mean (sd) age, height, weight, BMI and MUAC were 37.5 (14.2), 161.5 (6.2), 53.0 (9.5), 20.3 (kg/m2 and 25.0 cm, respectively. The mean BMI decreased significantly (F = 243.0; p < 0.001) from the highest MUAC group (22.5 kg/m2) to the lowest one (17.1 kg/m2). Overall prevalence of CED (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) was 32.3%. The prevalence of CED also increased sharply from the highest MUAC group (3.0%) to the lowest group (84.2%) (X2 = 237.8; p < 0.001). The odds ratios (OR) for being CED is very much high in the lowest MUAC group (OR = 178.70, CI = 71.37-447.46). A significant (X2 = 19.168, p < 0.001) increase in the prevalence of self reported illness from the highest MUAC group (19%) to the lowest one (40.4%, OR = 2.78; CI = 1.68-4.62) was also observed. The mean MUAC was observed to decrease significantly (F = 7.157, p < 0.001) from non-ill group (G IV) to the group which reported to have both previous and recent illness (G I). The prevalence of undernourished (MUAC < 23.0 cm) also increased significantly (X2 = 21.54, p < 0.001) from G IV to thee G I. In conclusion, the MUAC can be used as an efficient alternative measurement in the evaluation of CED status among adult Bengalee males.

Body mass index and body fat among adult Bengalee male slum dwellers in West Bengal, India.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to explore the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat (PBF) in relation to hypertension among adult Bengalee males of low socio-economic status living in a slum area of West Bengal, India. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried on 436 males aged 18-60 years in a slum area called Bidhan Colony, which is approximately 15 km from Kolkata city. Data on anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were collected, following standard techniques. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used for testing the relationship between BMI and PBF relative to hypertension. RESULTS: About 4.25% and 50% of the normal (BMI 18.5-22.9 kg/m(2)) and overweight (BMI 23.0-24.9 kg/m(2)) subjects, respectively, were obese according to the PBF cut-off point of >25%. The ROC curve analysis indicated that the BMI cut-off ≥23 kg/m(2) was appropriate for detecting obesity relative to hypertension. It was observed that the prevalence of hypertension increased significantly with age (r = 0.226, p < 0.001). Adjusting for age, the subjects with BMI 23-24.99 kg/m(2) had about 3.2 times (95% CI: 1.61-6.27) greater risk of hypertension than those with BMI < 23 kg/m(2), and the risk for those with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) was about 4.5 times (95% CI: 2.06-9.57). As for PBF, the risk of hypertension was about 2.6 times (95% CI: 1.38-4.80) for the subjects with PBF > 25% compared to those with PBF ≤ 25%. CONCLUSIONS: Our study validated the BMI cut-off point proposed by the WHO for Asia-Pacific populations for screening the individuals who are likely at risk of overweight. However, such data should be substantiated by independent risks of adverse health outcomes that need for public health intervention.

Thinness among rural children in Bengal.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of thinness among 2-6 year old children of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme Bali-Gram Panchayat, Hooghly, West Bengal, India. METHODS: Height and weight measurements were taken. The body mass index (BMI) was computed. The new international cut-off points classification proposed by Cole et al were utilized to identify thinness. RESULTS: The overall (age-combined) mean BMI among boys and girls were 13.2 kg/m(2) (sd = 1.7) and 13.0 kg/m(2) (1.6), respectively. Mean BMI decreased from 2 to 5 years in both sexes. There were a significant (p < 0.05) sex difference in mean BMI (t = 2.57) at age 3 years. The overall (age-combined) prevalence of thinness among boys and girls were 84.8 % and 85.6 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study clearly indicates that the nutritional status of these children is of concern.

Undernutrition among adult Bengalees of Dearah, Hooghly District, West Bengal, India: relationship with educational status and food habit.

A cross-sectional study of 1203 adult (> 18 years of age) Bengalees of Dearah, Hooghly District, West Bengal, India, was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of undernutrition and the relationship of educational level and food habit with undernutrition. Height and weight were measured and body mass index (BMI) computed following the standard equation. A BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 was classified as undernutrition or chronic energy deficiency (CED) as per World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. The public health problem of low BMI in this population was classified according to the WHO criteria. Educational status was coded as: no formal education, 1-8 years of schooling and > 8 years of schooling. Food habit was recorded as vegetarian or non-vegetarian. The mean ages of males and females were (39.6 +/- 15.0 years) and (39.6 +/- 15.0 years), respectively. There were significant (p < 0.001) sex differences in mean height and weight; both sexes had a similar BMI. The overall (sex combined) prevalence of undernutrition was 27.7%. The frequency of undernutrition was significantly (p < 0.001) higher among females (31.7%) compared to males (23.6%). According to the WHO classification of low BMI, the prevalence of CED was high (20-39%) indicating a serious situation. There existed a significant (p < 0.001) relationship between the level of formal education and nutritional status. Overall, the frequencies of CED (43.5%) were much higher than overweight (7.0%) among subjects with no formal education. The frequencies of CED and overweight among subjects with 1-8 years of formal education were 25.7% and 9.7%, respectively. Similarly, significantly (p < 0.001) higher rates of CED were found among subjects with no formal education in both sexes (males = 39.5%; females = 45.6%) compared to the presence of overweight (males = 1.8%; females = 9.8%). Sex-combined frequency of undernutrition was significantly (p < 0.001) higher among vegetarians (48.3%) compared with non-vegetarians (25.5%). The respective frequencies of overweight were 1.7% and 12.8%. This significant (p < 0.001) trend existed in both sexes with 46.9% male and 49.3% female vegetarians having CED. The corresponding figures for overweight among vegetarians were 0.0% and 2.9%, respectively. The rates of CED were significantly (p < 0.001) lower among non-vegetarians (males = 21.5%; females = 29.6%). Non-vegetarians had significantly higher rates of overweight in both males (8.7%) and females (16.9%). Multiple regression analysis revealed that both educational status as well as food habit had significant effect on BMI in both sexes. In general, the educational status had a stronger impact (males: t = 6.356, females: t = 5.017) than food habit (males: t = 3.373; females: t = 2.763) on BMI. This significant impact remained even after controlling for the effect of age. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that adult Bengalees of Dearah were under serious nutritional stress indicating a public health problem. In addition, a strong inverse relationship existed between educational level and CED. Moreover, vegetarianism was significantly associated with CED. Urgent public health measures are required, particularly among females, to reduce the high prevalence of CED in this population. Similar studies should be conducted in other parts of West Bengal before any general conclusions can be inferred about the relationship between educational status, food habit and CED in the state.