Capsulation of the global fitness status and body composition of the young Toto women: The smallest tribal community of India

BackgroundToto is the smallest tribal population of India and the number of women, who shoulder the responsibility for expansion of the community and contribute equally to the economy by doing energy-demanding jobs, is gradually declining with respect to the number of males. But, the data regarding their physiological and fitness status is scant.AimThe present cross-sectional study is the first attempt to investigate the fitness and malnutrition by morphometrics among Toto women influenced by their occupational workload and improper nutrition.MethodsThe study drew on young Toto women, randomly selected from Totopara, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal (mean age 23.4 years). Measurements of body composition included several anthropometric variables; while physical efficiency parameters were physical fitness index (PFI), VO2max, energy expenditure and anaerobic power.ResultsAnalysis showed the majority of Toto women were mildly underweight (48%). They also showed lower fat mass and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and conicity index. They were found to have excellent physical fitness [82.2(±4.62)%], which positively correlated with family income (R2 = 0.550) and level of education (R2 = 0.508).ConclusionThe findings of the study reports almost three quarters of Toto women are underweight. This study also shows the physical fitness status of young Toto women, which influences their economy, occupational workload, and poor nutritional status.