English

Abstract

CONTEXT: Overweight and obesity are becoming major problems in developed as well as developing countries. As there are few studies in India on obesity among medical students the present study was taken up on this group who require early intervention to prevent these diseases among the future doctors. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity among clinical students in a tertiary hospital in Bangalore. SETTINGS & DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 298, 2nd & 3rd year medical students. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Students entered the details in a predesigned, pretested questionnaire. Anthropometry regarding height and weight were measured and Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and they were classified as overweight and obese based on WHO's classification for Asians. BMI of students were compared with their dietary habits, physical activity and perception of body image, television viewing and history of non-communicable diseases among their parents. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 19.1 % and 22.1 % respectively according to WHO's classification for Asians. A statistically significant association was found between overweight /obesity and the variables namely skipping of breakfast (p < 0.05), perception of body image among the students (p < 0.05) and history of non-communicable diseases among their parents (p < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that skipping of breakfast and perception of body image was the best predictor variables for overweight and obesity. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of overweight and obesity is high among medical students. Early intervention can prevent development of non-communicable diseases among these future doctors. INTRODUCTION: Overweight and obesity are becoming major problems in developed as well as developing countries. Almost 30-65 % of adult urban Indians are reported to be either overweight or obese or have central obesity. (1) Complications associated with obesity comprise of diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, dyslipidemia and certain types of cancer. (2) In 2008, of the 57 million global deaths, 36 million (63%) were due to non-communicable diseases. (3) The common risk factors contributing to non-communicable diseases, include physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, harmful effects of tobacco and alcohol, and stress which are on the rise. (4) As there are few studies in India on obesity among medical students the present study was undertaken with the objectives of assessing prevalence of overweight and obesity among 2 nd & 3 rd year medical students and finding out the factors associated with it. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken amongst 298 II nd and III rd year MBBS students (3rd to 7th term) studying at a private medical college in Bangalore, during July to September 2012. The sample size was estimated by using the formula z 2 pq/d 2 where the prevalence of overweight & obesity was taken as 30 %. (5) The required precision of the estimate (d) was set at 20