NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND HAEMATOLOGICAL HEALTH: INVESTIGATING THE LINK BETWEEN BMI AND ANAEMIA IN YOUNG NORTH INDIAN WOMEN.
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Keywords
Anaemia, Obesity, Overweight, Body Mass Index, Haematological Parameters, Young Women.
Abstract
Background: Anaemia and obesity are emerging as dual public health challenges in low and middle-income countries, both contributing significantly to the global burden of disease. Evidence suggests that obesity-induced inflammation may impair iron metabolism, thereby increasing anaemia risk.
Aims and Objectives: To assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and anaemia among young women in North India.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 162 female students aged 18–22 years at a tertiary medical college in Srinagar, India. Anthropometric measurements were recorded, BMI was calculated, and haematological parameters like haemoglobin and red blood cell count, were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson’s correlation.
Results: The prevalence of anaemia was 39.5% (22.8% mild, 15.4% moderate, 1.2% severe). Overweight and obesity were present in 41.3% of participants. Anaemia prevalence increased with BMI: 37.7% in normal weight, 42.9% in overweight, and 47.1% in obese participants. Obese women had higher rates of moderate-to-severe anaemia. Mean haemoglobin was lower in overweight/obese participants (11.04 ± 1.07 g/dl) compared to normal-weight (11.47 ± 1.74 g/dl), with a borderline non-significant difference (p = 0.0599). Correlations between BMI and haematological parameters were weak negative but statistically not significant.
Conclusion: Anaemia remains highly prevalent among young women in North India, with a trend toward increased prevalence and severity among overweight and obese individuals. These findings highlight the need for routine screening, nutritional counselling, and integrated interventions to address the dual burden of malnutrition which has critical implications for young women.
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Dr Nida Nowreen
Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, G.M.C. Srinagar, J&K, India
Dr Sheikh Imran Sayeed
Professor and Head, Department of Physiology, G.M.C. Srinagar, J&K, India