Correlates of BMI among medical graduates in Kanpur

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.

September 2016 to November 2016.

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.

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.

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.