Is obesity among medical students a matter of concern? a cross-sectional study in MKCG medical college, Berhampur, Odisha, India

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity are the precursor of most of the non communicable diseases. Body mass index is an important indicator to measure obesity. Though medicos have the requisite knowledge on the morbidities associated with overweight and obesity, they are not in an advantageous position as compared with the common man due their life style.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 372 undergraduate students attending the classes at Department of Community Medicine, MKCG Medical college, Berhampur, Odisha. BMI of the students was measured, and socio-demographic characteristics and other risk factors were assessed during the study with the help of a semi structured, pretested questionnaire.Results: Out of 372 students, 67.7% were males. Mean BMI of the students was 23.68 ranging from 14.96 to 43.70. The overall prevalence of obesity and overweight was 4.8% and 24.2% respectively. Overweight and obesity were significantly (p<0.05) associated with age, family history of obesity, place of residence, frequent fast food consumption. However other variables like use of electronic gadgets and vehicles, place of food consumption didn’t show any significant association.Conclusions: Medical students being the future physicians, greater emphasis should be laid among them in terms of prevention of obesity and overweight and on reinforcing all preventive measures like physical activities, correct diet, and maintenance of correct BMI. This will in the long run help in enhancement of control of many non-communicable diseases which are associated with overweight and obesity.