Traditional vs Modern Diet and Its Impact on Lifestyle Diseases among Adults in Ballia District, Uttar Pradesh.

Abstract

This study focuses on the impact of traditional and modern dietary practices on the prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases among adults in the Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh, as rapid urbanization, globalization, and changing socio-economic conditions in this region have led to significant shifts in dietary habits and lifestyles. This nutritional shift is considered a major cause of the increasing burden of lifestyle-related diseases. Study was a descriptive and comparative study, involving a sample of 200 adults aged between 20 and 50 years. Participants were selected from the Hanumanganj and Bansdih blocks using a random sampling method. Data were collected through using structured questionnaires, personal interviews, and basic health assessments. Two groups was divided based on their dietary habits: the Traditional Diet Group (n=90) and the Modern Diet Group (n=110). Anthropometric measurements, such as height and weight, were recorded for Body Mass Index (BMI); additionally, clinical variables such as blood pressure and blood sugar levels were also measured. Study found a notable correlation between dietary patterns and lifestyle diseases. respondents consuming traditional diets showed better health outcomes, including a higher proportion of normal BMI (64.44%), diabetes (15.56%), and hypertension (17.78%). In contrast, respondents following modern dietary patterns showed higher prevalence of malnutrition (84.55%), diabetes (43.64%), hypertension (44.55%), and heart disease (16.36%). Statistical analysis confirmed that the strong link between dietary patterns and lifestyle diseases was highly significant. For illustration, the relationship between BMI and diet (χ² = 50.69, p < 0.001), diet and diabetes (χ² = 18.24, p < 0.001), diet and heart disease (χ² = 8.94, p <0.01) and diet and overall disease status (χ² = 25.88, p < 0.001) demonstrated strong statistical significance. These findings show that eating habits strongly influence health status.

The conclusion of this study found that eating habits of modern diet significantly increase the risk of lifestyle-related diseases, while traditional diets significantly reduce the chances of developing lifestyle-related diseases. The results of present study emphasize the importance of promoting healthy eating habits and reducing processed food intake.