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Background: Anemia among women causes many serious health problems and is pervasive in developing country. Many research studies have documented that malnutrition affects body growth and development, especially during the crucial period of adolescence. The association between anemia and body mass index (BMI) is a measure of nutrition and health status of adults. Aim was to study the association between anemia and BMI among female students.Methods: An observational study was conducted among first year medical and dental female students (n=109) aged 18-20years. Hemoglobin (Hb) levels (g/dL) by Sahli’s hemoglobinometer and BMI (kg/m2) were estimated. Anemia was defined as Hb content <12g/dL. Subjects were classified by BMI categories as underweight (BMI <18.5kg/m2), normal weight (BMI:18.5-24.99kg/m2), overweight (BMI ≥25kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥30kg/m2) according to WHO. Then the relation between anemia and BMI were statistically analyzed.Results: Overall, 48.62% female students were anemic. Of which 43.4% were underweight, 22.6% normal weight and 34.5% were above normal weight (over weight and obese). Mean value of hemoglobin was significantly decreased in underweight and overweight compared to normal weight (p<0.001). Anemia was significantly associated with BMI (χ2 =46.48, p=0.000).Conclusions: The study concludes the occurrence of anemia in both undernourished and over-nourished individuals which were significantly associated. Further studies are needed with larger sample size to document the factors that may be associated with anemia in females.

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Background: The laborers constitute an important workforce in the society. Their working efficiency very much depends on their muscle strength. Hand grip strength (HGS) determines the muscular strength of an individual. Nutritional deficiency can affect the muscle strength in laborers. The current study was carried out to assess whether HGS can be useful as an indicator of nutritional status. Aims and Objectives: To assess the relationship between handgrip strength and nutritional status in laborers and to compare it with sedentary counterparts. Materials and Methods: This crosssectional study included 60 laborers and 60 age-matched sedentary counterparts (controls). HGS was measured with hand grip dynamometer. Anthropometric parameters were recorded by standard methods. Data obtained were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: HGS and anthropometric parameters were significantly lower in laborers compared to controls. Moreover, all the variables of nutrition, the mean height, weight, body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, arm muscle girth and arm muscle area in laborers, and sedentary counterparts showed significant positive correlation with the handgrip strength in laborers except for triceps skinfold thickness. Conclusion: The study concluded that there exists a significant correlation between nutritional status and handgrip strength. Efforts should be taken to educate the workers on fundamentals of nutrition emphasizing role of good nutrition in improving work capacity.