The nutritional and life style transition in urban as well as rural areas of countries has resulted in rapid changes in eating behavior. The replacement of traditional home-cooked meals with ready-to-eat processed foods has contributed to malnutrition among adolescents.

The present study is with objective to investigate the eating behavior and prevalence of malnutrition among adolescents in peri-urban Delhi.

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 491 children in the age group of 12 to 14 years in government peri-urban schools. The data collection was done through administering questionnaires and conducting anthropometric measurements. It was observed that adolescents have erratic eating behavior.

The average percent adequacy intake of food groups for cereals was 63.5%, pulses 71%, vegetables 54%, fruits 60%, milk and milk products 69%, sugar 187% and visible fat/oils 196%. The average percent adequacy intake of nutrient for energy was 87%, protein 74%, iron 69.5%, calcium 59% and vitamin A 80%. The energy intake from fat was 35%, which is high. It was observed that as per BMI for age 5 to 19 years (z-scores) classification by WHO 17% adolescents were overweight, 42% were underweight and 41% were with normal BMI. 5. Conclusion: Thus the study concluded that malnutrition is prevalent among the adolescents and there is need to encourage healthier lifestyle habits among students through various strategies to improve dietary pattern and nutrition status.