Prevalence of Obesity and Overweight among Medical Students based on New Asia-Pacific BMI Guideline

Abstract

Background: This study is aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight among medical students based on Asia-Pacific Guideline of Body Mass Index (BMI).

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 350 medical students of a Medical college in Trivandrum, Kerala in 2013, by using a pretested proforma and anthropometric measurements

Result: The overall prevalence of obesity among medical students was 25.71% (95% CI, 21.75-29.83), and overweight was 24.57%.

Conclusion: The measurement of obesity using Asia-Pacific guideline shows a definite increase in prevalence of obesity among students. Reinforcing the need to encourage healthy lifestyle, healthy food habits and a physically active daily routine, among the adolescents, including medical students need to be focused to prevent this obesity related disease epidemic.