Background: The diet is a major factor affecting the Body Mass Index (BMI) of an individual. BMI has long been the standard for measuring health and its normal range (18.5-24.9, according to the World Health Organization) is considered to be crucial for maintenance of proper health and to prevent various lifestyle disorders which are considered to have either direct or indirect effects on physical and mental well-being of our youth. Aim: To investigate the correlation between diet patterns and BMI, overall stamina and fatigue levels in the youth population residing in Delhi-NCR region of India. Methods: An online survey was conducted using a carefully designed Google form and the respondents were asked to give details about the basic health parameters and dietary lifestyle. Results: 67% of the respondents who consumed milk were found to have an ideal BMI. 64% of the respondents who consumed mustard oil as their predominant dietary fat showed normal BMI and more than 80% showed lower fatigue levels. Conclusion: Milk and mustard oil consumption is important for maintenance of an ideal BMI. Awareness should be created in the youth to have them as part of their daily diet.
Keywords: Body mass index; diet; fatigue; lifestyle disorders; nutrition.