ABSTRACT:
Background: Adolescence is the transition period between childhood and adulthood. It is one of the fastest growing periods of a person’s life. During this stage, physical changes affect the body’s nutritional needs while changes in lifestyle may affect eating habits and food choices. Adequate nutrition plays a very important role in maintaining good health. Adolescent’s growth and development is closely linked to the diet they receive during childhood and adolescence. Objectives: A study was 1)To assess the food habits among adolescent girls ii) To evaluate the perceived constraints in practicing good nutrition among adolescent girls iii)To compare the food habits and perceived constraints of adolescent girls with selected demographic variables iv) To find association between food habits and selected socio demographic variables v) To find association between food constraints and selected socio demographic variables.vi) To determine the relationship between food habits and perceived constraints of adolescent girls.Material and Methods: Descriptive survey approach to assess the food habits and constraints of adolescent girls,Kanya Vidya Mandir, Loni. Data were collected from 150 adolescent girls; the modified structure interview schedule was used to collect data .The data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: It was noted that the adolescents studying in Kanya Vidya Mandir, Loni had a satisfactory food habits and have a moderate constraints like father’s education, occupation and income. There is a significant association was found between food habits and socio demographic data like total no of family members. A positive relationship existed between food habits and constraints.Conclusion: The study outcome revealed that adolescents had a satisfactory food habits and they have moderate constraints in all aspects.