An adequate healthy diet must satisfy human needs for energy and all essential nutrients. Adequate nutrition is the right proportion of food and nutrients needed for growth and maintenance. Food and nutrient intakes are influenced by the living environment and availability of food. Hence dietary habits can change when people travel to different country. Improved nutritional status plays an important role in the well being of individuals and is critical for socio- economic development. The aim of this study was to find out the nutritional status and dietary pattern of Iranian’s residing in Mysore city, India. The methodology involved the measurement of somatic status, collecting data on food frequency and dietary intake using standardized techniques. Results indicated that 37% of males and 16% of females were obese grade II. Nearly 46% of males and 32% of females had waist hip ratio of >0.9, which is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Food frequency indicated that the diets were cereal based and subjects were consuming less of various fruits and vegetables. The diets were sufficient in energy and protein content. Fat intake was much higher than recommended. Calcium was also inadequate. Thiamin and riboflavin were adequate; however, niacin was lesser than needed. The antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C and - carotene were also inadequate. The contribution of calorie from carbohydrate sources  was found to be the highest followed by fat and protein. The study brought to light some important inferences such as how a shift in dietary pattern or a migration affects the quality of diet and nutritional status. 

Keywords: Body mass index; Dietary recall; Nutrient adequacy; Obesity.