Author(s): Neeraj and Dr. Parminder Singh Ahluwalia

Abstract:
The study attempts to investigate the relationship of physical activity level with eating attitude, anthropometric characteristics and body composition among female college teachers. Total 300 female college teachers from different colleges of Malwa Region of Punjab were selected thorough purposive sampling technique. The age of subjects ranged between 31 to 60 years. Height was measured by using the standard anthropometric rod. Body weight of the subjects was measured with a portable weighing machine. Body mass index was then calculated using the formula weight (kg)/height² (m). The skinfolds thicknesses of body parts of the subjects were taken with Harpenden skinfold caliper. Percentage body fat as estimated from the sum of skinfolds was calculated using standardized equations. Physical activity level of the subjects was evaluated with the help of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Eating attitude of the college teachers was assessed with the help of the questionnaire, 26 items eating attitude test (26-EAT). The results of the study revealed that 31 % of female college teachers were physically inactive, 56% were moderately active and 13% were highly physically active. It was shown from results that 38% of female college teachers had normal weight, 51.67% were overweight and 10% were reported to be obese. It was reported that 47.67 % of female college teachers had normal eating attitude and 52.33 % were reported to have disordered eating habits. The physical activity level of female college teachers was found to have significantly negative relationship with height (p<0.05), weight (p<0.05), BMI (p<0.05), fat percent (p<0.05) and lean body mass (p<0.05) and eating attitude (p<0.05). It is concluded that the physical activity level had significant effect on eating habits and body composition among the college teachers.

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