Abstract :
Background: Problem of malnutrition among medical students is double edged and includes both ends of the spectrum-underweight and obesity. It is increasing day by day due to adoption of western lifestyle and over consciousness towards their body image perception or looks has created a big issue of malnutrition among medical students. This can be assessed through BMI.
Study period: September 2016 to November 2016.
Method: It is institution based cross sectional study. A total of 375 students of 2nd & 3rd year of GSVM. Medical college, Kanpur were selected for study. Height &weight of students was measured for assessment of BMI and other parameters were assessed by using a predesigned and pretested questionnaire.
Result: On the basis of BMI, 33.1% of students were underweight and 24.6% of students were found overweight/obese. Among the underweight students, 65.9% were girls and 34.1% boys. Among overweight students, 48.4% girls and 51.6% boys. A significant association was observed between overweight and family history of obesity, gender, hours of sleep and diet. There was a significant association between underweight and gender.
Conclusion: Both types of malnutrition that is underweight and obesity was found in medical students and there is need for encouraging medical students for healthy food and lifestyle.
Keyword :
Medical students, BMI, Obesity and underweight