A Study on the Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Medical Students of Kanchipuram District

Back ground: Obesity is an increase in body weight as the result of excessive accumulation of body fat and obesity results when the caloric value of food intake exceeds energy output. Overweight and obesity is one of the preventable causes of death. The morbidity associated with overweight and obesity is also enormous. The social implication of obesity is a major problem area that is often neglected. Aims and objectives: 1.To study the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the students of Meenakshi medical college hospital and research institute, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu.2.To assess the factors influencing the development of obesity and overweight among the medical students. Materials and methods: The study was conducted at Meenakshi Medical College hospital and research institute, Enathur, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu. It is a cross sectional study where 458 students were included. The study involved administration of pretested questionnaire, measurements of anthropometry and waist circumference and also recording of blood pressure. Results: Out of 500 students, 458 (92%) participated in the study. Among them 54% were males and 46% were females. The prevalence of overweight was 24.3% and the prevalence of obesity was 8.6% according to WHO guidelines. Obese and overweight individuals had significant family history. Girls had significant increased and substantial risk for co morbid conditions than boys. Frequency of eating fatty food is high among obese & overweight individuals when compared to normal and underweight students. Overweight and obese individuals are spending more time on sedentary life style. The prevalence of high systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significant among over weight and obese individuals. Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of obesity and overweight among medical students. Sedentary life style and frequency of eating fatty food was high among over weight and obese individuals. Prevalence of diastolic and systolic blood pressure is significantly high among overweight and obese individuals. This study itself created awareness about their weight and promote physical activity among many students.