Prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity among undergraduate medical students of Shyam Shah Medical College, Rewa

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a major global burden. Low levels of physical activities, watching TV, and dietary patterns are modifiable risk factors for overweight and obesity in adolescent. Objectives: The main objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their determinants among undergraduate medical students. Materials and Methods: The present study is a cross-sectional study conducted on undergraduate students of Shyam Shah Medical College, Rewa, Central India. All medical students were selected from 2nd prof to Internship, they were interviewed by predesigned questionnaire, between the time period of October 1, 2015 and November 30, 2015 and data were analyzed with the help of Epi-Cal info 2000. Indian guidelines were used to define normal weight, overweight, and obesity. Result: Out of a total 280 medical students, 94 were girls and 186 were boys and it was found that in males 69.89% were normal weight, 21.50% were over-weight, and 8.60% were obese. Similarly, among females 56.38% were normal weight, 31.91% were over-weight, and 11.70% were obese. Stress and physical activities in medical profession and long course and over-expectation from themselves are important determinants in overweight and obesity among students. Conclusion: Overweight and obesity are important emerging problems even in medical profession, it can lead to fatal outcome in later life. Hence, it is important to be notice early and try to control it by changing modifiable risk factor associated with it.