A Review on the Health and Nutritional Status of Professional Women Aged 30–45 Years in India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63682/jns.v14i32S.7659Keywords:
Nutrition, Health, Women, Anaemia, Obesity, Age, Occupation)Abstract
The transformation of India's socio-economic structure has resulted in a significant rise in women's involvement in professional fields including education, healthcare, information technology, banking, and administration. Women aged 30 to 45 frequently encounter a dual load of professional advancement and household obligations, significantly impacting their health and nutritional well-being. This review seeks to consolidate national-level statistics, peer-reviewed literature, and public health surveys to assess the health difficulties encountered by professional women in this pivotal age group throughout India. Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4 and NFHS-5) indicate that around 48% of women in India are anaemic, while the incidence of overweight and obesity has concurrently risen to over 23% in this demographic. The trends are exacerbated by increasing occurrences of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular illnesses, which are frequently associated with sedentary lifestyles, inadequate dietary diversity, occupational stress, and insufficient physical activity. Research indicates that professional women frequently forgo meals, opt for processed and convenience foods, and generally prioritize domestic and professional obligations over their own nutritional requirements. The review emphasizes that professional stress, extended working hours, insufficient health awareness, and socio-cultural norms—such as the tradition of eating last or prioritizing family meals—negatively affect women's health disproportionately. Nutritional evaluations reveal considerable shortages in protein, iron, calcium, and vital vitamins among employed women, irrespective of income or educational attainment. Moreover, variations related to area, occupation, and socio-economic status expose a complex framework of health inequity. The findings highlight the pressing necessity for focused interventions such as nutritional education, workplace wellness initiatives, regular health assessments, and regulatory reforms that consider gender and occupation. Enhancing the health and nutritional welfare of professional women is vital for their personal advancement and imperative for the ongoing socio-economic progress of the nation.
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