Early MENAP Data Shows Nutrition Gaps in Medical Students’ Meals

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 initial engagement with medical students. This pilot phase did not undergo ethical clearance and is intended only to show 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. More than 60% of plates contained ultra-processed items such as fried snacks, papad or sweets. Whole grains were absent from all plates analysed.

These findings indicate early patterns suggesting gaps in the food environments of medical colleges. PAN India’s Medical Director, Dr. Rajeena Shahin, noted that although the sample size is small and not representative of all colleges, the observed patterns remain noteworthy. “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.”

The report notes that unbalanced meals may affect physical energy, cognitive ability (focus and concentration) and long-term metabolic health of future healthcare professionals, and points to the broader need for institutions to align their food environments with national nutrition standards.

The MENAP pilot identifies indicative directions for improvement which includes improving campus food environments so balanced meals become more accessible, practical nutrition education in medical curricula and increasing institutional responsibility to ensure campus food follows national guidelines.

Dr. Shahin stated that this phase was designed to test feasibility and strengthen tools, methodology and partnerships for MENAP 2.0. PAN India plans to work with academic institutions and councils to scale the study, refine policy inputs and develop model campuses with 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 medical students.