eating habits project

43
Project Report On “Eating Habits of the Young Generation” Submitted to : Submitted by: Mr. B.B.Singla Ms.Charanleen Kaur Lecturer Roll No. 5843 MBA II (B)

Upload: charanleen

Post on 03-Apr-2015

3.987 views

Category:

Documents


11 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: EATING HABITS PROJECT

Project Report

On

“Eating Habits of the Young Generation”

Submitted to: Submitted by:Mr. B.B.Singla Ms.Charanleen KaurLecturer Roll No. 5843

MBA II (B)

SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIESPUNJABI UNIVERSITY

Page 2: EATING HABITS PROJECT

PATIALA

CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT

CHAPTER 2 - REVIEW OF LITERATURE

CHAPTER 3 – SIGNIFICANCE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

3.1 Significance of the Study

3.2 Objectives of the Study

CHAPTER 4 - RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

4.1 Research Design

4.2 Sampling Design

4.2.1 Universe

4.2.2 Sample Size

4.3 Data Collection

4.3.1 Primary Sources

4.3.2 Secondary Sources

4.4 Statistical Tools used

CHAPTER 5 - DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

5.1 Demographic Analysis of the data

5.2 Analysis of the determinants of eating habits

5.3 Findings of the Study

5.4 Limitations of the study

5.5 Recommendations and Suggestions

5.6 Conclusion

BIBLIOGRAPHY

ANNEXURE

2

Page 3: EATING HABITS PROJECT

LIST OF TABLES AND CHARTS

Chart No. Title of chart Page

Chart 4.1 Concern about Food Nutritional Value 14

Chart 4.2 Fast Food Consumption 15

Chart 4.3 Fast Food Liking 15

Chart 4.4 Knowledge about Junk Food 16

Chart 4.5 Skipping Meals 16

Chart 4.6 Punctuality in Taking Meals 17

Chart 4.7 Consumption of fruits/fresh juice 17

Chart 4.8 Exercising Habits 18

Chart 4.9 Media influence on choice of food items 18

Chart 4.10 Dependendance for choice of food items 19

Chart 4.11 Eating together as a family 19

Chart 4.12 Gaps in Meals 20

Chart 4.13 ‘Water’ an essential element of diet 20

Chart 4.14 Checking the product while purchasing 21

Chart 4.15

Percentage of respondents suffering from health

problems

21

Chart 4.16 Types of Health Problems 22

3

Page 4: EATING HABITS PROJECT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Establishing sensible eating habits from young is essential in shaping food preferences

later in life. An adequate diet is essential for child and adolescent growth but exactly how

much an individual needs varies with size and build, growth rate and level of physical

activity. For any person to remain healthy and avert acquiring any diseases, it is

extremely important for the person to develop a proper eating habit. It is only when a

person controls his diet and watches the food and drinks which go into the body that he

would be able to protect him from any of the diseases. Without maintaining a healthy

eating habit, it is only a matter of time before one falls sick or develops serious medical

life-threatening complications. In healthy eating lies the key to acquiring a healthy body

and a healthy mind. A project is undertaken to find out the eating habits of the young

generation and to know how concerned they are regarding the food quality they choose to

eat. Also the project will study the effect of poor eating habits on the health of the young

generation. The study will be conducted in various departments of Punjabi University,

Patiala and the age of the respondents will vary from 19 to 24 years. Both primary and

secondary sources will be used for data collection. The research will be an exploratory

one as it involves exploring the idea of Eating habits of the Young Generation.

4

Page 5: EATING HABITS PROJECT

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT

Establishing sensible eating habits from young is essential in shaping food preferences

later in life. For any person to remain healthy and avert acquiring any diseases, it is

extremely important for the person to develop a proper eating habit. It is only when a

person controls his diet and watches the food and drinks which go into the body that he

would be able to protect him from any of the diseases. The youngsters now a day are very

selective about the food they eat.  The age old curries and sukkas or Idlis and dosas are

out of their preference, even though they have been brainwashed right through about their

good health effects.  The varieties of meat products, pizzas, cheese alike are attracting

their taste buds. Buying pre-cooked items is a trend that is slowly on the increase. With

busy schedules, meal times too have become irregular. And when pangs of hunger strike,

it is easier to pick up ready-to-eat snacks rather than prepare a hot meal. The market is

constantly flooded with new food products, which are promoted attractively and this has

greatly influenced the food habits of the youngsters.

Eating out has become the order of life.  Youngsters prefer aerated drinks and fast foods

to home made meals.  This can be attributed mainly to the appealing advertisements

carried out on televisions.  Ads on television have had a marked effect on the choice of

food items, especially among the younger generation.   The popular Icons of Sports world

and the movie stars campaign for consumables and the younger generation is influenced

by these acts of their idols. It reflects the fact that nutritious and well-balanced food is

increasingly becoming a rarity and eating a proper meal is not a priority any more for

many, who are often hard-pressed for time.

Good nourishment is the secret of a healthy and happy life. Without maintaining a

healthy eating habit, it is only a matter of time before one falls sick or develops serious

medical life-threatening complications. In healthy eating lies the key to acquiring a

healthy body and a healthy mind. At different stages of a person's life, the demands of the

body, as far as nutrients are concerned, would be different. The health requirements of a

5

Page 6: EATING HABITS PROJECT

growing child would certainly be different from that of someone who his of 90 years of

age. Thus the age of the person is of prime importance when a proper diet plan is being

discussed. Apart from the factor of age, the sex of a person also plays a critical role in

healthy eating habits. The nutritional needs of woman are often different from those of a

man. But there are some common food health requirements which cut across all sort of

groups. A healthy eating habit requires that the people have regular intake of nutrients

like carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, etc. One of the safest sources of all

these nutrients is the vegetables. Including varied kinds of vegetables in one's diet would

certainly yield good results for the person. Eggs and milk are also quite efficient sources

of many of the nutrients mentioned. Healthy food and drinks coupled with regular

exercises would put you on to the path of healthy living. Consulting a dietitian is also of

the interesting ideas which one could try out.

There are all kinds of health issues related to unhealthy eating habits. Diabetes would be

the number one health concern due to over consumption of sugar. In addition to this,

Obesity, thyroid dysfunction, kidney malfunction, and intestinal problems can all be

directly associated with too much sugar consumption. Then there are ill-effects of too

little food consumption. When we do not consume what we need to maintain our health,

problems like gum diseases, heart disease, muscle deterioration, vision loss, and anorexia

occur.

Moreover once our body reaches the point of unhealthy functioning, it's almost

impossible to correct one problem without creating another. Thus to maintain the healthy

functioning of the body, a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals is required. If one does

not receive these through meals, one may take supplements.

6

Page 7: EATING HABITS PROJECT

Chapter 2

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Various studies found that establishing healthy eating habits among the young generation

is extremely important.

Iwanicka B, Borzecki A. (2004), examined that Good eating habit is an essential part of

a healthy lifestyle. It helps prevent civilisation diseases. The BMI and eating plan

analysis are useful in individual's nutritional assessment. The aim of the study was to

assess nutritional status and eating habits in young adults. An average BMI was 23.63 kg/

m2 in the interviewed men, and 20.6 kg/m2 in women. Caloric value of the daily eating

plans was average: in men 2943 kcal, in women 2272 kcal. Four people were on diets,

but none of BMI over 25 kg/m2. There were no people suffering from food allergies or

gastrointestinal diseases. Only one male did sports (weight-lifting) regularly. The

majority of the students ate at lunchtime at the university cafeteria or prepared meals

themselves. The eating plans varied very much: the majority was based on the Eating

Guide Pyramid and consisted of three balanced meals during the day-time; there were

also single cases where students stuck to eating high-calorie meals at night-time mostly.

Gacek M. (2010), analyzed certain lifestyle parameters and health condition indices

among people with traditional and vegetarian models of eating. The research conducted

shows that vegetarians present a higher level of caring about their health, which is

expressed on a scale of pro-health behaviors, than people with traditional model of

eating. A higher percentage of them take up physical activity in their free time (80% vs.

70%), additionally, they more seldom drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes. Alcohol

abstinence is declared by 75% of vegans, 25% of lacto-ovo vegetarians and only 8% of

people with traditional model of eating. Tobacco non-smoking is declared by 94% of

vegans, 74% of lacto-ovo vegetarians and 67% of traditional eating people. It has also

been shown that some psychosomatic health indices, especially concerning digestive

duct/system, remain varied in regard to the model of eating followed. The research has

proven that vegetarian model of eating influences other--non-eating--pro-health behaviors

and in this way it shapes healthy lifestyle of research subjects.

7

Page 8: EATING HABITS PROJECT

Huang CJ. et al. (2010), investigated the associations of breakfast skipping with obesity

and health-related quality of life (QOL). We also tested the hypothesis that there is a

dose-dependent relationship between frequency of breakfast consumption and prevalence

of obesity. This cross-section study used a national representative sample (n=15 340)

from the 2005 Taiwan National Health Interview Survey. Breakfast skippers were

defined as those who ate breakfast about once a week or less often and those who never

ate breakfast. Individuals were classified as 'obese' if their body mass index was >or=27.

Health-related QOL was assessed using the Medical Outcome Studies 36-Item Short-

Form (SF-36) Health Survey. Logistic regression was used to examine the odds ratio of

obesity and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in breakfast skippers compared

with breakfast eaters. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to adjust all

risk estimates for covariates. The findings from this study add support to the potential

role of breakfast eating in obesity prevention.

Deshpande S. et al. (2009), examined that poor eating habits are an important public

health issue that has large health and economic implications. Many food preferences are

established early, but because people make more and more independent eating decisions

as they move through adolescence, the transition to independent living during the

university days is an important event. To study the phenomenon of food selection, the

heath belief model was applied to predict the likelihood of healthy eating among

university students. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate the validity of

the health belief model (HBM) among 194 students, followed by gender-based analyses.

The data strongly supported the HBM. Social change campaign implications are

discussed.

8

Page 9: EATING HABITS PROJECT

Salvy S J. et al (2010), compared the effects of mothers and friends on children's and

adolescents' energy intake from sandwiches and from healthy and unhealthy snacks and

dessert foods. Twenty-three children (ages 5-7 y) and 27 adolescents (ages 13-15 y) ate a

meal with their mother on one occasion and with a same-sex friend on another occasion.

Male and female children consumed less energy from unhealthy snacks when in the

presence of their mothers than when in the company of their friends. Conversely, female

adolescents consumed less energy from unhealthy snacks and more energy from healthy

snacks when they were with their friends than when with their mothers. It was concluded

that food selection is differentially influenced by the source of social influence and the

age and sex of the child. Parents may act as an inhibitory influence on unhealthy eating

for younger children. Adolescent girls may try to convey a good impression of healthy

eating when eating with same-sex friends, but the eating habits of teenage boys are not as

influenced by the social context.

Al-Rethaiaa, Fahmy , Al-Shwaiyat (2010), conducted a cross sectional study of obesity

and eating habits among college students in Saudi Arabia. : A total of 357 male students

aged 18-24 years were randomly chosen from College of Health Sciences at Rass,

Qassim University, KSA for the present study. A Self-reported questionnaire about the

students' eating habits was conducted, and their body mass index (BMI), body fat percent

(BF%), and visceral fat level (VFL) were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS

statistical software, and the Chi-square test was conducted for variables. The data

indicated that 21.8% of the students were overweight and 15.7% were obese. The total

body fat exceeded its normal limits in 55.2% of the participants and VFL was high in

21.8% of them. The most common eating habits encountered were eating with family,

having two meals per day including breakfast, together with frequent snacks and fried

food consumption. Vegetables and fruits, except dates, were not frequently consumed by

most students. Statistically, significant direct correlations were found among BMI, BF%

and VFL (P < 0.001). Both BMI and VFL had significant inverse correlation with the

frequency of eating with family (P = 0.005 and 0.007 respectively). Similar correlations

were also found between BMI and snacks consumption rate (P = 0.018), as well as,

between VFL and the frequency of eating dates (P = 0.013). The findings suggest the

9

Page 10: EATING HABITS PROJECT

need for strategies and coordinated efforts at all levels to reduce the tendency of

overweight, obesity and elevated body fat, and to promote healthy eating habits in our

youth.

10

Page 11: EATING HABITS PROJECT

Chapter 3

SIGNIFICANCE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

3.1 Significance of the study

This project will bring out the regarding the current eating habits of the young generation

and also the effects of the poor eating habits of the young generation on their health. As a

healthy mind stays in a healthy body, it is very important to provide proper knowledge of

good eating habits to the youth as they are the pillars of our country’s future. Therefore

the study will point out what shortcomings are there in their diet and what eating habits

they should follow so as to lead a healthy life.

3.2 Objectives of the study

1. To know the eating habits of the young generation

2. To find out how much concerned the young generation is regarding the food

quality they choose to eat.

3. To study the effect of poor eating habits on the health of the young generation.

11

Page 12: EATING HABITS PROJECT

Chapter 4

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

4.1 Research Design

Research design provides the glue that holds the research project together. A design is

used to structure the research, to show how all of the major parts of the research project --

the samples or groups, measures, treatments or programs, and methods of assignment --

work together to try to address the central research questions. The research design of the

study is both exploratory as well as descriptive. The research is exploratory in initial

stages to provide background to the study.

4.2 Sampling Design

Convenience and Random Sampling Methods were used while choosing samples from

the universe. Students in the age group of 19-24 years were chosen as respondents.

4.2.1 Universe: All students of Punjabi University, Patiala.

4.2.2 Sample Size: 100

4.3 Data Collection

Both primary and secondary sources were used for data collection.

4.3.1 Primary Sources: Questionnaires were prepared to collect first hand information

from students. On the basis of Review of Literature, the researcher identified certain

common statements which were relevant. In all, 50 questions were short listed. Out of

these, repeated questions were deleted and common ones were clubbed and finally the

researcher was left with 20 final questions.

4.3.2 Secondary Sources: These include books, journals and internet.

12

Page 13: EATING HABITS PROJECT

4.4 Statistical Tools used

Tools like Mean and Standard Deviation were used for analysis of the data.

13

Page 14: EATING HABITS PROJECT

Chapter 5

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

5.1 Demographic Analysis of the Sample

As per the survey it was found that:

The average age of the respondents was 19-24 years.

Out of the total respondents, 59% were males and 41% were females.

Maximum respondents were from SMS (School of Management Studies)

followed by Law, Punjabi, Economics, Physics, Music and Sports Science

department.

5.2 Analysis of Various Determinants of Eating Habits

1. “I am very concerned about the nutritional value of food that I eat”. Do you agree with the statement?

Concern about Food Nutritional Value

10%

6%

22%

41%

21%Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly Agree

Chart No. 4.1

Majority of the respondents are very concerned about the nutritional value of food that

they eat. This shows that higher concern makes them health conscious and therefore they

try to mane better food choices for themselves.

14

Page 15: EATING HABITS PROJECT

2. How often do you eat fast foods?

Fast Food Consumption

3% 20%

34%

35%

8% Twice a day

Once a day

3-4 times per week

Once a week

Don’t eat at all

Chart No. 4.2

Majority of the respondents eat fast food either once a week or 3-4 times per week. This

shows that consuming fast foods has become a growing trend towards the young

generation. However the tendency has not risen to a great extent as only few of the

respondents consume such foods regularly.

3. Do you keep snack food (potato chips, cheese puffs, etc) , sweets (cakes, pastries, ice creams) in your house/hostel?

Fast Food Liking

27%

32%12%

24%5% Regularly

Sometimes

Special Occasions

Rarely

Never

Chart No. 4.3

Majority of the respondents keep snack food items ‘sometimes’ in their house/hostel.

However there area almost an equal number of respondents that have chosen the options

of ‘regularly’, ‘sometimes’ and ‘rarely’. This shows that the trend of almost all types is

present in the eating habits of the young generation.

15

Page 16: EATING HABITS PROJECT

4. Do you know what actually constitutes junk food?

Knowledge about Junk Food

76%

24%

Yes

No

Chart No. 4.4

Majority of the respondents are aware of what all constitutes junk food thus highlighting

that the youth is quite informative and knowledgeable. Therefore they can choose the diet

for themselves in a better way and also can protect themselves from misleading

advertisements.

5. How often do you miss your breakfast?

Skipping Meals

18%

24%

27%

31% 2-3 times a Day

Onca a day

5-6 times per week

2-4 times per week

Chart No. 4.5

Majority of the respondents do not miss their breakfast at all which is a big positive

characteristic of their eating habits. This trend is followed by those respondents who

either miss it once a week or 3-4 times a week. Skipping meals can cause many health

problems but as very few of the respondents miss their breakfast everyday, we can say

that the young generation is on the safer side.

16

Page 17: EATING HABITS PROJECT

6. Are you punctual in taking your meals?

Punctuality in Taking Meals

50%50%

Yes

No

Chart No. 4.6

Taking meals at the right time is equally important. Half of the respondents are punctual

in taking meals while the remaining half is not. This depicts not a very healthy trend

among the young generation and makes them vulnerable to the health problems in the

future.

7. How often do you take fruits/fresh juice

Consumption of fruits/fresh juice

6%

35%

12%

47%

2-3 timers a day

Once a day

5-6 times per week

2-4 times per week

Chart No. 4.7

Fruits are a necessity in order to maintain a healthy body. Majority of the respondents

take fruits 2-3 times per week. It shows that the trend is moving from fruits

consumption to fast food consumption, that is, fast foods are replacing fruits. This is

an unhealthy diversion.

17

Page 18: EATING HABITS PROJECT

8. Do you exercise?

Exercising habits

49%

51%

Yes

No

Chart No. 4.8

Half of the respondents exercise regularly whereas the remaining half does not. This

again depicts not a healthy habit.

9. Do the media influence your choice regarding food that you choose to eat?

Media Influence on choice of food items

27%

65%

3% 5%Never

Sometimes

More Often

Always

Chart No. 4.9

Majority of the respondents ‘sometimes’ get influenced by media while choosing food for

them. This shows that media does not possess a very strong influence over the young

generation. Media does increase the awareness regarding the food items available but the

final choice of food are done by checking its nutritional content most of the times.

18

Page 19: EATING HABITS PROJECT

10. On whom do you depend while deciding the right choice of food for

yourself?

Dependence for choice of food Items

60%26%

12% 2%Yoursely

Parents

Friends

Others

Chart No. 4.10

Majority of the respondents choose the food items for them themselves, that is, the food

choice depends upon the youth’s own knowledge, taste and preference. It is followed by

those respondents who depend upon their parents for deciding the right choice of food.

11. Do you eat together as a family whenever at home?

Eating together as a family

7%23%

22%

48%

Never

Sometimes

More Often

Always

Chart No. 4.11

Eating together as a family develops good eating habits and majority of the respondents

always eat together as a family.

19

Page 20: EATING HABITS PROJECT

12. Do you go very long without eating?

Gaps in meals

45%

43%

12%

I try to eatsomething everythree hours

I often go 4-5hours withouteating

I often eat nothingbetween breakfastand evening meals

Chart No. 4.12

Majority of the respondents go 4-5 hours without eating. This may be due to busy

schedules, stress or laziness. Such eating habits can have serious implications on health

of the young generation.

13. Is “drinking enough water” part of your daily diet?

‘Water’ an essential element of diet

34%

66%

Yes

No

Chart No. 4.13

Majority of the respondents drink enough water.

20

Page 21: EATING HABITS PROJECT

14. Do you check the label of the product for ingredients, nutritional value, quality certification marks, etc. while purchasing it?

Checking the product while purchasing

7%

48%17%

28% Never

Sometimes

More often

Always

Chart No. 4.14

Majority of the respondents ‘sometimes’ check the label of the product. This shows

that they purchase food products with open eyes rather than depending completely ob

advertisements or shopkeepers.

15. Do you suffer from health problems?

Percentage of respondents suffering from health problems

70%

30%

Yes

No

Chart No. 4.15

21

Page 22: EATING HABITS PROJECT

Types of Health Problems

16%

16%

11%11%

6%

6%

17%

17%

High/low bloodpressure

CalciumDeficiency

Iron Deficiency

Obesity

Gums problems

Muscles problems

Vision Issues

Others

Chart No. 4.16

Majority of the respondents do not suffer from any kind of health problem which is a

very positive element of the study. It depicts that to some extent, the eating habits of

the young generation are good and that is why they are free from any kind of health

issues.

About 30% of the respondents have heath problems like high/low blood pressure,

calcium deficiency, iron deficiency, vision issues, muscles problems and gums

problems.

22

Page 23: EATING HABITS PROJECT

5.3 Major Findings

1. The respondents have concern regarding the nutritional value of food they eat.

2. The respondents have liking towards fast foods however the trend of such foods

has not raised to a great extent. The majority of respondents try to keep their fast

food consumption limited.

3. Their is a growing trend of keeping fast food items in hostel/house and thus this

way these items are replacing fruits intake of respondents.

4. The respondents are quite knowledgeable and informative about what all

constitutes junk food and thus do not have an ignorant approach.

5. Majority of the respondents do not skip their meals and those who miss their

meals do so because of busy schedules, stress or laziness.

6. Half of the respondents prefer taking meals at the right time everyday.

7. Fruits consumption is not satisfactory. It seems that fast foods consumption is

replacing fruits consumption.

8. Half of the respondents do not exercise at all due to busy schedules or laziness or

may be because they do not give too much importance to exercising.

9. Media does not play a strong role in influencing choice of the respondents most

of the times.

10. Many of the respondents use their knowledge and experience in making their food

choices rather depending upon advertisements.

11. Majority of the respondents depend upon their taste, preference and knowledge

while deciding on food items. This shows that parents and friends’ involvement in

food selection is on the decline.

12. There is a healthy trend among respondents of eating together as a family.

13. The young generation does not seem to taking food every 3-4 hours. Generally

long gaps are kept in meal hours which lead to negative implication son health.

14. Drinking enough water is part of the diet of majority of the respondents.

15. The respondents purchase food items with open eyes, that is, check the quality

certification marks, nutritional content, etc. before purchasing the product.

23

Page 24: EATING HABITS PROJECT

16. A major positive element among the respondents is that majority of them do not

suffer from any kind of health problem.

5.4 Limitations

1. Some of the respondents were not participative in filling the questionnaire,

therefore some of the answers may be biased.

2. As a small sample size was chosen, the results may not present the actual

scenario.

3. As the respondents chosen were only from Punjabi University, there is lack of

comparison between students of different campuses.

4. Due to short span of time and low cost involved in the project, some of the factors

may be missing in the study.

5.5 Suggestions

1. Rather than keeping stock of fast food items in house/hostel, a good variety of

fruits should be kept.

2. Juices should be preferred to soft drinks/cold drinks.

3. Meals should not be skipped at ant cost

4. Rather than having large quantity of food in one time, meals of smaller quantity

should be taken at frequent intervals.

5. Meals should be taken at the right time everyday.

6. A balanced diet should be taken.

7. Deficiency of iron, calcium, etc, can be overcome by supplements of vitamins and

minerals.

8. Exercise for at least half an hour should be done everyday.

9. While making choice of food products, their nutritional content should be

checked.

5.6 Conclusion

24

Page 25: EATING HABITS PROJECT

The project was undertaken to find out the eating habits of the young generation and to

know how concerned they are regarding the food quality they choose to eat. Also the

study was done to know study the effect of poor eating habits on the health of the young

generation. The study was conducted in various departments of Punjabi University,

Patiala like UCOE (University College of Engineering), SMS (School of Management

Studies), Punjabi, Physics, Economics, Law, Sports Science, Music, etc. Maximum

respondents were from SMS followed by other departments. Students of the age group of

19-24 years were chosen as the sample. Both primary and secondary data sources were

used for data collection. Questionnaires were prepared to get first hand information. Each

questionnaire consisted of 20 questions. Secondary sources used were books, journals

and internet.

After doing the analysis of the data, it was found that:

The young generation has concern for the nutritional value of food.

The liking towards fast foods is on the rise.

The young generation has almost a clear idea of what constitutes junk food.

A good percentage of the respondents do not skip their meals.

Laziness, busy schedules, etc. are some of the factors behind skipping meals.

Fruits consumption is not satisfactory

Not many respondents involve themselves in exercising.

The young generation, they choose the food for them most of the times.

The influence of media, parents and friends is not strong enough in influencing

food choices of the young generation.

A good percentage of the young generation keeps big intervals in their meal

times.

A major positive element of the study was that majority of the respondents do not

suffer from any kind of health problems. A small percentage of the respondents had

health issues which are as follows:

High/Low blood pressure

Calcium deficiency

Iron deficiency

Obesity

25

Page 26: EATING HABITS PROJECT

Gums problems

Muscles problems

Vision loss issues

The major limitations of the project were – non participative approach of some

respondents, short span of time and low cost involved in the project.

Thus the over all scenario of the eating habits of the young generation is an average one.

If efforts are not made to overcome the shortcomings in the food eating habits, serious

heath complications may take over the young generation in the future.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

26

Page 27: EATING HABITS PROJECT

1. Iwanicka B, Borzecki A. (2004). “Nutritional assessment and eating habits

analysis in young adults”, Ann Univ Mariae Curie Sklodowska [Med], Vol. 59(2),

pp. 437-40

2. Gacek M. (2010). “Selected lifestyle and health condition indices of adults with

varied models of eating”, Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig. Vol. 61(1), pp.65-9

3. Huang CJ. et al. (2010). “Associations of breakfast skipping with obesity and

health-related quality of life: evidence from a national survey in Taiwan”, Int J

Obes (Lond). Vol.34(4), pp.720-5

4. Deshpande S. et al. (2009). “Factors influencing healthy eating habits among

college students: an application of the health belief model”, Health Mark Q.

Vol.26(2),pp.145-64

5. Salvy S J. et al (2010). “Influence of parents and friends on children's and

adolescents' food intake and food selection”, Am J Clin Nutr.

6. Al-Rethaiaa, Fahmy , Al-Shwaiyat (2010). “Obesity and eating habits among

college students in Saudi Arabia: a cross sectional study”

7. http://silvyscorner.sulekha.com/blog/post/2007/09/food-habits-of-this-

generation.htm

8. http://www.ringsurf.com/Arts/People_/

9. http://www.diethealthclub.com/articles/407/diet-and-wellness/what-poor-eating-

habits-lead-to.html

10. http://ezinearticles.com/?Risk-of-Eating-Unhealthy&id=133755

11. http://health.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1377342.cms

12. http://sitagita.com/healthy-eating/healthy-eating/

27

Page 28: EATING HABITS PROJECT

13. http://www.wellsphere.com/healthy-eating-article/do-you-eat-together-as-a-

family/22410

14. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16146124

15. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20803902

16. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20065977

17. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19408181

18. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21048059

19. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20849655

28

Page 29: EATING HABITS PROJECT

ANNEXURE

Dear Sir/Madam,I am an MBA student from the School of Management Studies, Punjabi University and conducting a survey. Kindly spare some of your valuable time to go through the questionnaire and give your view on this topic. The information provided by you would be kept confidential and only be used for carrying out the study. Select by marking a tick (√) against the appropriate option.

1. Name: …………………………………………….

2. Age: …………………..

3. Gender: Male Female

4. Occupation: ………………………………….

5. Contact Number: ………………………………..

6. “I am very concerned about the nutritional value of food that I eat”. Do you agree with the statement?

Strongly DisagreeDisagree NeutralAgreeStrongly Agree

7. How often do you eat fast foods?

Twice a dayOnce a day 3-4 times per weekOnce a weekDon’t eat at all

29

Page 30: EATING HABITS PROJECT

8. Do you keep snack food (potato chips, cheese puffs, etc) , sweets (cakes, pastries, ice creams) in your house/hostel?

RegularlySometimes Special OccasionsRarelyNever

9. Do you know what actually constitutes junk food?YES NO

10. How often do you miss your breakfast?Almost everyday3-4 times per weekOnce a weekDon’t miss at all

11. Are you punctual in taking your meals?No …. Yes ….

12. How often do you take fruits/fresh juice? 2-3 times a day Once a day

5-6 times per week 2-4 times per week

13. Do you exercise?YES NO

If yes, how often? ……………………………………

14. Do the media influence your choice regarding food that you choose to eat?Never Sometimes More often Always

15. On whom do you depend while deciding the right choice of food for yourself? Yourself Parents Friends Any other, please specify …………………………

16. Do you eat together as a family whenever at home? Never Sometimes More often Always

17. Do you go very long without eating?

I try to eat something every three hoursI often go 4-5 hours without eatingI often eat nothing between breakfast and evening meals

30

Page 31: EATING HABITS PROJECT

18. Is “drinking enough water” part of your daily diet?No …. Yes ….

19. Do you check the label of the product for ingredients, nutritional value, quality certification marks, etc. while purchasing it?Never SometimesMore often Always

20. Do you suffer from health problems?No …. Yes …. If yes, please tick the following: High/Low blood pressureCalcium deficiencyIron deficiencyObesityGums problemsMuscles problemsVision loss issuesAny other(specify):

31