Affiliation:
1. Post Graduate Trainee,Dept.of Physiology,Jorhat Medical College,Assam, India.
2. Professor,Head,Dept.of Physiology,Jorhat Medical College,Assam,India.
3. Professor,Head,Dept.of Community Medicine.
4. Assoc.Prof.Dept.of Medicine,JMCH.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Obesity, a chronic non-communicable disease, as indicated by the World Health Organization
(WHO), is one of the most rapidly growing health problems worldwide. Obesity affects the respiratory functions and
impairs the gas exchange, leading to alterations in pulmonary function tests (PFT).Younger generation and medical
students are no exception in regards to the detrimental effects of obesity.Forced vital capacity (FVC),Forced Expiratory
st Volume in 1 second (FEV ), Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) are reliable pulmonary function tests to diagnose any 1
respiratory disorder.In this study,FVC,FEV ,PEFR of medical students were assessed to find their relationship with Body 1
Mass Index (BMI). MATERIALS AND METHODS:A institution based cross-sectional observational study was done in
Dept.of Physiology,Jorhat Medical College including the undergraduate medical students.Sample size was calculated
as 160 using EpiTools Software.Height in centimeters,weight in kilograms and digital spirometry of 160 students were
recorded. In case of more than two variables, P values were calculated using Anova Test and p value < 0.05 was
considered significant. RESULTS: FVC,FEV ,PEFR all were decreased in overweight and obese students compared to 1
normal weight students and our observation was statistically significant in case of FEV and PEFR by Anova test (p value: 1
0.0335 and 0.0428 respectively. CONCLUSION: Changing of life style that includes performing regular physical
exercises,yoga,meditation,sticking to a routine time table for sports,study and sleeping hours and regular health check
up in the form of Height,Weight, Spirometry could be beneficial for the students to prevent obesity related pulmonary
ailments.
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