Body weight/ Image perception and prevalence of Obesity among 2nd year MBBS students- D.Y.Patil Medical College, Kolhapur

Abstract

Introduction -Body image is an important element of the intricate mechanism of one's own identity. College students becoming over conscious of their body image and exhibiting strange eating behaviors is no longer a myth but a harsh reality. False preoccupation about the body has become a major concern since it has led to several unhealthy dietary practices. Objectives: (1) To assess the body weight & image perception of 2nd MBBS students in D.Y.PATIL medical college, Kolhapur. (2) To assess prevalence of obesity among them. Material and Method: Present cross sectional study was carried out in a month of September 2013. Study was conducted among 2 nd year MBBS students of D.Y. Patil Medical College, Kolhapur India. All 150 students enrolled in 2 nd MBBS were enrolled in this study. Complete study was conducted in a day. Data was collected using pre-tested semi structured questionnaire which was self-administered. Results: Out of 150 students, 118(78.7%) knew their body weight and remaining 32(21.3%) students were unknown about their body weight. Our study revealed that out of 150 students, 85 students (56.7%) were normal according to their calculated BMI, 56 students (37.3%) were overweight and 9 students (6%) were underweight. The prevalence of overweight/obese and underweight is high among those who did not know their body weight compared to those who knew their body weight. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was high among those who underestimated their body weight (42.3%). Significant relationship was seen between image perception and BMI. Those participants who want to lose their weight had significantly more BMI. Conclusion and Recommendation: The study indicates that large proportion of the subjects could not appropriately classify their weight status. Overweight subjects should be better informed and empowered to follow recommended weight loss strategies.