Impact of Life Style and Dietary Habits on Menstrual Cycle of College Students

Menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon occurring in females. Menstrual disorders frequently affect the quality of life in young women. Consumption of junk foods, lack of physical activities and skipping of breakfast are increasing among the young college students. So it is important to study the impact of these factors on menstrual cycle. The survey was carried out with the help of a questionnaire.151 students participated in the study. The questionnaire included data-s such as food habits like consumption of junk foods, skipping of breakfast, regularity and duration of menstrual cycle. Data-s were analyzed manually and tabulated in percentages. It was found that 72.2 % respondents had regular and 27.8 % had irregular menstrual cycle.36.4 % respondents took junk food for more than 3 days/week. Skipping of breakfast was observed in 48.3 % of students and only 21.2 % students did regular exercises. In the present study it was found that there was no significant association between eating of junk foods, skipping of breakfast on menstrual cycle of respondents. But many scientists have reported the adverse effect of the above mentioned habits on menstrual cycle of young women. So it is important to evaluate the present situation and create awareness among college students about the effect of their dietary habits on the menstrual cycle and also the importance of regular physical activities. Life style modifications particularly decreasing the intake of fast food and promoting healthy eating habits should be emphasized.