Assessment of Nutritional Status of Women Belonging to Self-Help Group in North Chennai and Conduct of a Nutrition Education Program

Lifestyle and dietary habits play a significant role in determining the risk of developing metabolic disorders, particularly among women in low-income communities. This study was undertaken to assess the nutritional status and health awareness of women belonging to Self-Help Groups (SHG) in North Chennai and to implement a targeted Nutrition Education Program. The study included 150 participants and involved the collection of demographic data, anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, and skinfold thickness), blood pressure recording and dietary assessment using a food frequency questionnaire and a 3-day food record. A pre- and post -test questionnaire was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Nutrition Education Program. The findings revealed that many participants had unhealthy eating patterns, including low intake of whole grains, fruits and green leafy vegetables, along with frequent consumption of refined oils and fried snacks. Most of the participants were overweight or obese with elevated BMI and skinfold thickness and were hypertension. Nutrient analysis showed excessive intake of energy, carbohydrate and fats, with deficiencies in iron and vitamin D. The Nutrition Education Program significantly improved participants’ knowledge of balanced diets and healthy lifestyle practices. The study concluded that awareness and education can serve as effective tools in improving nutritional habits and reducing the risk of lifestyle-related disorders in community settings.