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Research Paper | Food and Nutrition | Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026 | Pages: 708 - 711 | India
Dietary Diversity and Nutritional Status among Young Adults in Urban India: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract: India is experiencing a rapid nutritional transition characterized by the coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition, particularly in urban populations. Dietary diversity is widely recognized as a proxy indicator of diet quality and micronutrient adequacy. The present cross-sectional study aimed to assess dietary diversity and its association with nutritional status among young adults aged 18?25 years in an urban Indian setting. A total of 150 participants were selected using stratified random sampling from higher education institutions in Madhya Pradesh. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall and semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) was calculated based on nine food groups following FAO guidelines. Anthropometric measurements including height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were recorded according to WHO standards. The mean DDS was 4.8 ± 1.2, indicating moderate dietary diversity. Only 32% of participants achieved high dietary diversity (DDS ?6). BMI classification revealed 28% underweight, 47% normal weight, 19% overweight, and 6% obese individuals. A statistically significant association was observed between DDS and BMI category (p < 0.05). Low intake of fruits, green leafy vegetables, pulses, and dairy products was observed, while refined cereals and processed snacks were frequently consumed. The findings highlight the emerging double burden of malnutrition among urban youth and underscore the need for nutrition education and dietary diversification strategies to improve overall nutritional status.
Keywords: Dietary diversity, Young adults, Urban nutrition, Body Mass Index, Double burden of malnutrition, Micronutrient adequacy, India, Nutrition transition
How to Cite?: Dr. Archana Kasaudhan, "Dietary Diversity and Nutritional Status among Young Adults in Urban India: A Cross-Sectional Study", Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 708-711, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26410132748, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26410132748