A STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF FIXED AND RECURRENT WORK SCHEDULE CHANGES ON THE HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF YOUNG ADULTS

Shift work has become increasingly prevalent, often disrupting normal circadian rhythms and influencing dietary behaviors, physical activity levels, and overall health.This study aims to compare dietary intake, eating habits, meal frequency and physical activity between individuals working fixed schedules and those working rotating schedules.Using a cross-sectional design and structured questionnaire, data were collected from working adults aged 18-45 years.The findings indicate that rotating schedule workers exhibited higher rates of irregular meal timing, meal skipping, increased fast-food consumption, and reduced physical activity compared to fixed schedule workers.Sleep disturbances were also significantly higher among rotating workers, contributing to altered food cravings and increased preference for calorie-dense foods.The study emphasizes the need for targeted nutrition education, workplace wellness strategies, and schedule-friendly meal planning to support individuals engaged in shift work.