The Physicians Association for Nutrition (PAN India) has released the preliminary findings of the Medical Students’ Eating and Nutrition Assessment Project (MENAP), an informal, volunteer-driven exploratory survey conducted as part of MENAP’s early engagement with medical students. This pilot phase did not undergo ethical clearance and is therefore intended only to provide indicative trends, not generalisable conclusions.
This feasibility pilot analysed lunch plates from 42 medical students across 15 government and privately run medical colleges in India to test the methodology, tools, and collaborative framework for the larger, ethically approved MENAP 2.0 national study planned across 100+ medical colleges.
The preliminary patterns observed show that while most meals met basic calorie requirements, none (0%) aligned fully with the ICMR–NIN Balanced Plate Standard (2020/2024). About 68% partially met the standard, showing some protein and hydration adequacy but consistently low vegetable servings, while 32% did not meet minimum nutritional adequacy. Over 60% of plates contained ultra-processed items such as fried snacks, papad, or sweets, foods that displace nutrient-dense options and add empty calories. Whole grains were completely absent from all plates analysed.
While these findings are not conclusive, they highlight early trends that reveal important gaps in the food environments of medical colleges, institutions where health should ideally be modelled. PAN India’s Medical Director, Dr. Rajeena Shahin, noted that although the sample size is small and not representative of all colleges, the patterns are still telling. ‘Even in this limited sample, the results act as a mirror for medical institutions,’ she said. ‘They highlight the need to reassess and improve the food environments offered to future doctors.
Beyond personal nutrition, these patterns point to larger systemic gaps. The report notes that “unbalanced meals will affect physical energy, cognitive ability (focus, concentration), and long-term metabolic health of future healthcare professionals,” while also highlighting the broader opportunity for institutions to realign their food environments with national nutrition standards.
The MENAP pilot identifies indicative directions for improvement, including:
• Enhancing campus food environments so that balanced, wholesome meals become the default
• Integrating practical nutrition education into medical curricula
• Strengthened institutional accountability so that campus food aligns with national guidelines
Dr. Shahin emphasised that this phase was designed to test feasibility and strengthen tools, methodology, and partnerships for MENAP 2.0. PAN India plans to collaborate with academic leaders and councils to scale the study, refine policy briefs, and develop model campuses that promote healthier food environments.
PAN India acknowledges the contributions of student volunteers from multiple cities who supported this pilot effort, helping build early engagement and nutrition awareness among young medical professionals.
This release reflects preliminary trends only; comprehensive insights will emerge in subsequent phases of MENAP 2.0.
