Overweight/Obesity and Related Factors Among Thai Medical Students

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of overweight/obesity and the related demographic data and health behaviors of Thai medical students. A cross-sectional study of 5441 medical students from all the 13 medical schools in Thailand was conducted in 2006 by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Demographic data, health behaviors, and self-reported body weight and height were recorded. The results revealed that Thai medical students have a lower prevalence of overweight/obesity than the general population of the same age group. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that higher academic year was associated with being overweight or obesity in males, having improper dietary habits were associated with being overweight or obesity in both genders, whereas alcohol consumption was associated with being overweight in male only. Therefore, medical curricula should place an emphasis not only on knowledge but also on attitudes and behaviors for healthy lifestyles.