Overweight among Medical Students in a Medical College

Abstract

Introduction: Overweight is defined as a condition in which abnormal accumulation of fat directly affects an individual personality and health leading to a marked increase in morbidity and mortality. It has a direct impact on both the psychological aspects of an individual's personality and their overall health. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of overweight among medical students in a medical college.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among first and second-year medical students in a medical college between 20 February 2023 to 3 March 2023 after receiving ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Students studying Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Dental Surgery during the study period who gave consent were included and those students with a recent medical history of fever, typhoid, diarrhoea, thyroid disorder, metabolic disorders, or any other relevant medical condition within the preceding 1 month, potentially influencing body weight, were excluded. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval.

Results: Among 164 students, the prevalence of overweight was 43 (26.22%) (19.49-32.95, 95% Confidence Interval). The mean age was 20.65±1.08 years.

Conclusions: The prevalence of overweight among medical students was higher than in other studies done in similar settings.