A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Prevalence of Obesity among Second Professional MBBS Students of One of the Medical Colleges of Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a complex multifactorial preventable disease. The problem of obesity is important to discuss because it is closely associated with an increasing risk to many diseases. Objective: To assess the prevalence of obesity among Second MBBS students and find the anthropometric parameters of obesity. Method: This was a cross-sectional, observational study conducted among 100 second MBBS students. Demographic data and anthropometric measures, such as Height, Weight, Body mass index, Waist circumference, and Waist/Hip ratio of the students were collected. Results: BMI was < 18.5 in 17.34% of male and 28% of female students. Around 18.67% of male and 24% of female students had BMI of more than 25 and where as student shaving BMI of more than 30 were 6.66% and 4% in male and female students, respectively. According to the Waist/Hip ratio,16% male (>0.95) and16% female (>0.86) students were categorized as at risk for obesity (p-value 0.86). Conclusion: Almost half of the male and female students were having normal BMI. More number of female students had BMI lower than normal. Students falling in the category of overweight were higher as compared to obese students. Such students were advised for nonpharmacological measures of weight reduction through proper exercise, consuming a healthy balanced diet, and role of physical activity, so as to maintain proper bodyweight and to prevent future complications of obesity were advised to the students.