Assessment of Body Mass index (BMI) in medical students (a cross sectional Survey)

Abstract

Background: Obesity is nutritional imbalance and it is under the influence of environmental and genetic factors, increase in high-energy intake and a reduction in physical activity. All overweight and obese are at risk for hypertension, high blood cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, etc. Unfortunately obesity is increasing in modem world and this is reported by many researchers. This rising magnitude of the problem mandates population-level intervention. For which a quality data is needed. This study was conducted to fill this knowledge gap for designing a suitable preventive strategy. Objectives:-To know the etiological factors in the area, to formulate a public awareness and intervention programme for reduction in mortality and morbidity due to obesity in Pakistan Study design:-Cross sectional survey Place and duration of the study: - KEMU June to July 2006. Respondants and methods:-Pre- tested questionnaire was used to interview the 46 yr MBBS students Results: Although obesity is present in some students but, surprisingly the percentage of students who were under weight was more than the over weight /obese. Obesity is significantly more in economically well students, whereas under wt. students belong to all the economical classes Conclusion: Economical prosperity and sedentary life style are the most important suspected causes of obesity where as low wt. trend was either due to fashion of looking smart or due some awareness. Awareness programme are the best feasible approaches for rectification of the situation for neither being over- weight nor under wt.