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Background: In the context of the rising trend of overweight and obesity, young people are more concerned about their weight. This study investigates the association between measured Body Mass Index (BMI), self-perception of body weight and weight change behavior among university students. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed a sample of 415 university students aged 18-23 years residing in urban areas of Anand. Measures included weight, height, BMI, body weight perception and weight change behavior. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, the student’s t-test and Chi-square test. Results: About 36.1% of the participants misclassified their weight category. More women than men felt overweight in relation to their actual body shape. Among normal-weight or underweight BMI participants, 44.4% of females and 31.8% of males were inappropriately trying to lose weight. Conclusions: The study showed a higher prevalence of weight perception and inappropriate weight change behaviour. It also observed that the correct perception of body weight influences the willingness to lose or gain weight. It is important to consider these issues while designing a public health campaign targeting obesity and healthy lifestyles.

Introduction: Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and optimal feeding in Low Birth Weight (LBW) infants are evidence based cost effective interventions which if properly implemented across all facilities can help to save millions of newborn. The study, focussing on status of KMC services in Gujarat State, has not been conducted so far. Objectives: The intent of present study was to ascertain the infrastructure, facilities, policies and practices related to Kangaroo Mother Care at special newborn care units (SNCUs) of various regions of Gujarat and to suggest strategies for effective delivery of KMC services. Methods: A pre tested, semi structured and validated questionnaire including general information about SNCU, baseline data about KMC protocols and practices of each SNCU etc. was developed. The information was collected from all 40 Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) of Gujarat State of India.The data analysis was performed using EpiInfo 7 Statistical Software developed by Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta. Simple frequency tables were used for analysis. Results: About 81% of the facilities reported that newborns with birth weight less than 2000 grams, either stable or with non-serious medical conditions were eligible for receiving KMC. None of the facilities were providing continuous KMC more than 12 hours. Thirty (81.08%) SNCUs had an earmarked space for performing KMC either in the form of separate ward or identified corner in the ward. Conclusion: The present study revealed inadequate Kangaroo Mother Care services in selected newborn care units of Gujarat State of India. The services, especially basic facilities like drinking water, food, toilet and hand washing was not available in some of the facility.