Physical Activity Status and Body Image Perception of Adolescent Females in A Slum In Kolkata, India.

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. Physical inactivity has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality causing an estimated 3.2 million deaths globally. Objectives: To find the physical activity status of the adolescent girls and to know their body image perception. Materials And Methods: The study was conducted at the Bagbazar Slum of Urban Field Practice Area of R.G.Kar Medical College. A total of 107 girls from 10 to 19 years of age residing in this slum participated in this study. A pre-designed, pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection. For determining physical activity status Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used and the results were compared with the WHO guidelines for physical activity for adolescents. METs (Metabolic Equivalents) are used for the analysis of GPAQ data. MET is the ratio of a person's working metabolic rate relative to the resting metabolic rate. One MET is defined as the energy cost of sitting quietly and is equivalent to a caloric consumption of 1 kcal/kg/hour. Therefore, when calculating a person's overall energy expenditure using GPAQ data, 4 METs get assigned to the time spent in moderate activities, and 8 METs to the time spent in vigorous activities. Results: Only 14.28% of girls in the age group 10 to 17 years and 67.56% of girls above 17 years had physical activity above recommended guidelines. 57% of girls had no recreation involving physical activity of any kind. 47.7% of girls were not satisfied with their body image. Conclusion: Physical activity should be promoted among adolescent girls to prevent occurrence of NCD and lead a healthy life.