Exploration of diet quality and physical activity level among British Bangladeshi population living in the United Kingdom.

Abstract

The diet quality and unhealthy lifestyle depends on the availability, affordability and accessibility of foods and lifestyle choices based on social, cultural and working norms. British Bangladeshi have an increased intake of fat, protein, refined carbohydrates and highly processed food and sedentary lifestyle (Popkin et al., 2001, Monteiro 2010, Misra et al., 2009). These, such pattern of food intake and lifestyle are key to increased risk of non- communicable diseases. The aim of this research was to evaluate the diet quality and physical activity level of British Bangladeshi people living in the United Kingdom and explore the association between physical activity and diet quality. A total number of (n=137) British Bangladeshis males and females were randomly selected to take part in this study. Participating involved completing a repeated 24 hours dietary recall to assess diet quality in terms of Healthy Eating Index (HEI) Score and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) to assess physical activity level among this population. Overall, study involved in recruitment of participant, collect data, and collate data and data analysis. Demographic, anthropometric, nutrient, and physical activity level were reported as descriptive statistics (Mean, ±SD). Inferential statistics, independent sample t-test were performed to report significant differences between male and female. Further analysis was performed between reported intake and recommendation using one sample t-test. Linear regression was used to ascertain the association between PAL and HEI. British Bangladeshi male and female population have high Body mass Index (BMI) of 24.82 kg/m2 (±2.35) and 25.64 kg/m2 (±3.27) respectively based on South Asian BMI cut-offs (Choo, 2002; (Shaikh et al,. 2019). A low diet quality score was observed among both gender with a HEI scores of 38.31 points (±8.34) and 37.57 points (±7.33) respectively. Low physical activity level (PAL) 1.32 (±0.21) and 1.24 (±0.11) was observed between male and females respectively. The overall fat intake among male and female (94.58 g/day) was above the UK government dietary recommendation of 70g/day. Overall fibre intake between male and female 20.80g/day (±2.10) was below the recommendation for UK population (30g/day) for healthy living. Protein intake exceeded by 49.95g/day in male and 45.23g/day in female. Iron intake from food was observed relatively low in females 12.98 mg/day (±2.75) below the RNI in the UK (14.8mg/day) (p<0.001). Sodium intake exceeded by >1600mg/day in males 2564mg/day (±776) and females 2301.84 (±568 mg/day). Positive association between PAL and HEI of R2 = 0.38 was observed. Thus, British Bangladeshi population is at risk of nutrition related diseases associated with low fibre, high sodium, low vitamin D and sedentary lifestyle. This information can be used to tailor culturally acceptable, adaptable and affordable -future public health initiatives related to fruits and vegetable intake, salt reduction campaign and engage this population with moderate or vigorous physical activity.