Publication:

Prevalence of overweight/obesity among medical students at Suraram, India

Background Overweight/obesity is a critical public health problem in both developed and developing nations, has nearly tripled since 1975. In 2016, more than 1.9 B were overweight and 650 M obese. Studies from different parts of India have reported a rise in prevalence of obesity (11 to 37.5%). To date, there are not many studies on the prevalence of obesity among medical students in India. Hence this study was conducted with an objective to assess the prevalence of overweight/obesity and its associated factors among young medical students.

Methods VI Semester MBBS students of the year 2013 batch of Malla Reddy Medical College for Women were interviewed in March and April 2016.

Results Out of 150 participants, 125 responded (83%). Overall prevalence of obesity/overweight was 45%. Mean age of the sample was 20 years (±0.75); more belonged to upper than lower strata (61.6% vs. 38.4%); 86.4% were from nuclear family, means better food and care. Chi-squared test revealed significant differences for age, higher socio-economic status, diet, physical inactivity and co-morbidities associated with obesity/overweight (p<0.05). There was significant positive correlation values between BMI and waist circumference at p<0.01 level. The correlation of BMI with waist circumference is (r=0.675).

Conclusions It is crucial to establish cost-effective strategies like promotion of healthy foods, introducing extra-curricular activities at institutional level, avoiding junk food are likely to have a major effect in reducing obesity among these young medicos. This would also enable them to maintain normal weights, avoid immediate and long-term complications associated with overweight/obesity.