Undernutrition and Energy Balance Among Sabar Males: A Cross-Sectional Study in West Bengal

Abstract (English)

Malnutrition, particularly undernutrition, remains a critical public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. Maintaining an optimal balance between energy intake (EI) and energy requirement (ER) is crucial for mitigating undernutrition. This cross-sectional study assessed the nutritional status and evaluated EI and ER among Sabar males in Purulia, West Bengal, India. A total of 400 men aged 18–60 years were selected. Anthropometric measurements, including height and weight, were recorded to calculate body mass index (BMI). Body composition variables—Percent Body Fat (PBF), Fat Mass (FM), Fat-Free Mass (FFM), Fat Mass Index (FMI), and Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI)—were also assessed. Nutrient intake was determined using a 24-hour dietary recall method, while ER was derived from total energy expenditure (TEE) using the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) predictive equation. Ethical approval was obtained, and data collection was conducted with participant consent.
The prevalence of undernutrition was 48.5%, increasing with age and peaking at 27.3% among individuals aged 51–60 years. A gradual decline in FFM and FFMI, alongside an increase in PBF, FM, and FMI, was observed with aging. Disparities in EI and TEE were noted across different age groups and nutritional categories, with a consistent negative energy balance where TEE exceeded EI. The high prevalence of undernutrition demands urgent nutritional interventions. This study is the first to evaluate EI and TEE among an indigenous community in West Bengal, highlighting the need for further research across diverse ecological contexts to inform targeted nutritional policies, particularly for elderly populations.