A Study on Overweight & Obesity and its Risk Factors among Undergraduate Students of a Medical College in Kolkata

Abstract

Background: Overweight and obesity are recognized as an "escalating epidemic" affecting both developed and developing countries. Medical students working under stress and adopting more sedentary life style, are likely to be the victims of obesity. Objectives: To find out prevalence of overweight & obesity and associated risk factors among medical students in Kolkata. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out among undergraduate students of NRS Medical College, Kolkata with a sample siza-150. Results: 18% students were overweight and 2% obese. Mean height & weight of boys were higher significantly than that of girls. 20.7% boys & 17.2% girls were either overweight or obese. 24% boys and only 7% girls have the habit of addition to smoking and or alcohol. 26.7% students, about 23% male & 33% female, not used to perform any exercises. 24% students have family history of obesity. Of them 27.8% developed overweight. No association of overweight with factors like family history, physical exercise, addiction, food habit or stress factor could be statistically established. Conclusion: Prevalence of overweight among medical students trend to be high. Promotion to adopt healthy lifestyles is urgently required.