Background: Overweight and obesity are recognized as escalating epidemics affecting both developed and developing countries. Obesity is associated with a large number of debilitating and life-threatening disorders such as cardiovascular, metabolic, and other non-communicable diseases. Of the factors contributing to obesity, stress seems to be particularly important as stressful condition leads to irregularity in diet, lack of exercise and addiction, each being considered an independent factor leading to obesity. Medical students are exposed to a lot of stress throughout their education. Hence, this study was undertaken to find out the prevalence of overweight and obesity among undergraduate medical students.
Objectives: To assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among medical students in Saraswati Institute of Medical Sciences, Hapur, Uttar Pradesh and also to find the relationship of the following risk factors with obesity: (a) physical inactivity, (b) sleeping habits, (c) diet, (d) stress, and (e) association with other diseases (thyroid disorders, menstrual disorders).
Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry among 100 students; data were collected using pretested questionnaire from 100 students after taking an informed consent. The height and weight of the students were measured, and the BMI was calculated.
Results: Among the 100 students, the mean ± SD height of the students was 1.67 ± 0.09 m, while the mean weight was 66.61 ± 12.71 kg and the mean BMI 23.54 ± 3.09 kg/m2. Normal BMI was observed in 73.1% students, while 22.3% students were overweight, 3.1% obese, and only, 1.5% underweight. Overweight and obesity were significantly more in male than female students.
Conclusion: The present study gives an idea about the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in the medical students. There is a need to create awareness and interest regarding healthy diet and body weight management among this future physician population. Nutritional education on dietary practices and life style change should be built in as supporting educational activity during student years.
Key words: Overweight, obesity, body mass index, medical students
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