BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) AND CHRONIC ENERGY DEFICIENCY (CED) AMONG ADULT: A FIELD-BASED EXPERIENCE OF BHUMIJA FROM ODISHA, INDIA

The present study attempts to examine the relationship between adult Bhumija's BMI and CED in Mayurbhanj District, Odisha, India. Mathods: For the study total 275 respondents (men-133 and women-142) were selected from three villages those were over the age of 18-49 was investigated. Results: The male respondents average mean body mass index (BMI) were 138.8 (19.4) cm, 31.84 (12.1) kg, 18.14(3.3) cm, and 15.7 (2.3) kg/m2, respectively. Females average mean BMI were 138.0 (19.2) cm, 31.7 (11.4) kg, 18.1 (3.2) cm, and 16.0 (2.3) kg/m2 respectively. Among males belonged to the under-nutrition group, 79(28.7%) were CED III, 18(6.5%) were CED II, 16(5.8%) were CED I, and 23(8.4%) were normal. On the other hand among females 75(27.3%) were CED III, 27(9.8%) were CED II, 17(6.2%) were CED I, and 23(8.4%) were normal. As per the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), the rate of under nutrition based on BMI and CED was high (≥ 40%), indicating a serious nutritional condition. Conclusion: The study suggests that need-based and culturally appropriate socio-economic, educational and public health programs should be initiated among the Bhumija in order to reduce the prevalence of health condition among the Bhumija.