TO STUDY SPECIAL DIET FOLLOWED BY YOUNG ADULTS FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT: ASSESSING EFFECTS AND OUTCOMES

Clinical Nutrition and Nutraceuticals

Background: The prevalence of special diets among young adults for weight management has been on the rise, driven by diverse motivations and information sources. This age group is particularly susceptible to diet trends due to social media influence, peer pressure, and a heightened awareness of body image. These factors can significantly impact their nutritional status and overall health, potentially leading to both positive and negative health outcomes. Understanding these dietary practices is crucial for developing effective health guidelines and interventions that can support healthy weight management and overall well-being in this demographic. Objective: This study’s main goal is to understand how various special diets affect weight management in young adults. Additionally, it aims to uncover the reasons behind young adults’ decisions to adopt these diets and to analyze the physical changes they experience as a result. Moreover, it seeks to investigate where young adults obtain advice or recommendations for these specialized diets. Methodology: The study involved 100 participants aged 18-25 from three gyms in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, who were either currently following or had recently followed a special diet for weight management. Participants were recruited from these gyms, and data collection was done using a questionnaire. The questionnaire gathered information on the type of diet, duration of adherence, anthropometric measures (such as weight, height & BMI), the main reason for dieting (whether for weight loss, gain, or maintenance), the achievement of goals, sources of dietary information (including dietitian, the internet - encompassing social media and websites, books/magazines, and friends/family), and any reported side effects or symptoms. Data was collected only once, and analysis involved using descriptive statistics to summarize the findings and inferential statistics to identify any significant trends or correlations. Result: The study encompassed a diverse cohort of 100 participants, predominantly comprising individuals aged 18 to 25, with notable representation from those aged 24 (18%) and 25 (27%), suggesting significant engagement from older young adults. Gender parity was maintained, with 49% male and 51% female participants, ensuring a balanced representation of both sexes. Participants reported following a variety of special diets, with High Protein (19%), Intermittent Fasting (16%), and Low Fat (16%) emerging as the most prevalent choices. Notably, Weight Loss (37%) and Weight Gain (32%) were identified as the primary motivations for dietary modifications, indicating a strong emphasis on weight management within the study population. Furthermore, 31% of participants focused on Weight Maintenance, underscoring a multifaceted approach to dietary objectives. Adherence to special diets varied in duration, with 38% following diets for 0-3 months, 31% for 3-6 months, and smaller percentages for longer durations, suggesting a trend towards shorter-term dietary commitments among young adults. The study population exhibited a diverse range of starting weights, with a significant proportion classified as overweight, particularly within the 70-90 kg range, indicating a prevalent concern with weight management among participants. Changes in weight distribution post-dieting revealed a mixed response, with some individuals achieving weight loss, while others maintained or even gained weight, highlighting the individual variability in dietary responses. Furthermore, the majority of participants maintained a healthy BMI (58%), while a notable proportion were classified as overweight (19%) or obese (13%), underscoring the relevance of dietary interventions for addressing weight-related health concerns. The sources of dietary advice varied, with a substantial proportion consulting dietitians or nutritionists (39%) and relying on the internet (35%), indicating a preference for expert guidance and readily accessible online resources. Goal achievement was diverse, with 45% reporting success, 28% indicating failure, and 27% uncertain about their outcomes, reflecting the varied experiences and outcomes among participants. Finally, common symptoms reported while following special diets included fatigue, weakness, and muscle cramps, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and addressing potential adverse effects of dietary modifications. Conclusion: In summary, this study reveals the diverse ways young adults approach special diets for weight management. While many aim for weight loss or gain, results vary widely. Some succeed in losing weight, while others face challenges like maintaining weight or experiencing adverse symptoms. The findings highlight the need for personalized dietary advice and strategies tailored to individual needs. Getting guidance from dietitian and professionals is crucial for effective weight management and overall well-being.

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