Dietary Pattern and Nutritional profile of Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Menopause is one most challenging period for every woman. Nutrition plays a vital role in the quality of life in postmenopausal women. Balanced diet and healthy life style has great bearing on their future health. The present study was undertaken to study the nutritional status of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. The study was taken up on 250 perimenopausal women (age 40 and above) and 250 postmenopausal women (age 40-70 years) based on the willingness to participate in the study from Nagpur city. The respondents were selected by purposive random sampling method. A detailed questionnaire was structured to collect necessary information from the respondents. The information on nutrient intake was computed by using 24 hours dietary recall method. Height and Weight of the respondents were measured using standard techniques and BMI was calculated. The results of the study revealed that mean age at menarche in both the group of subjects was more or less similar (13.39 1.01perimenopausal subjects and 13.41 1.21 postmenopausal subjects).The mean age at menopause was seen to be 49 3.29 years. Majority of respondents were vegetarians. Observations from the data on nutrient intake reflect an inadequacy in protein and carbohydrate intake and an excess of fat intake. The calcium intake of respondents was found to be grossly deficient in meeting only 50% of requirement. The mean phosphorous and magnesium intake was found to be within the recommended range of nutrients. It was interesting to note that more than 50% of respondents in the postmenopausal group fall in Obesity Grade I category as compared to 32.8% in the perimenopausal group. 15.2% postmenopausal respondents were noted in the Obesity Grade II category. Thus regular exercise, health monitoring, proper diet is essential for menopausal women to prevent future complications.