Assessment of overweight, obesity and metabolic variables among students of a private medical college in Dhaka city.

Background: Overweight and obesity are recognized as recent threat which affecting both developing and developed countries. Obesity and its associated morbidities are leading cause of most non-communicable diseases. Few recent studies have indicated the presence of increase in overweight and obesity among children and adolescent but there is no study among adult groups. Method and material: This cross sectional study was done to assess the prevalence of overweight, obesity and metabolic variables with their relation among medical students. Result: Our result reveals that 8.6% & 1.9% male and 15% & 3.2% female are suffering from overweight and obesity (based on BMI) respectively. More females (31.3% and 65.2%) are centrally obese than males (3.5% and 34.8%) (According to Waist Hip ratio and Waist Height ratio respectively). But according to Waist circumference more males (30.7%) are obese than females (24%). There is also significant difference of male and female BP. DBP and SBP of male (79.22mmHg & 118.9 mmHg) have high normal level than female (72.71mmHg and 108.67mmHg) (P<0.001). There is no significant difference of glycaemic status (p<.286) and lipid profile (p<.347) with central obesity. Conclusion: Although male students have high upper level of blood pressure, female students are more obese than males (both according to BMI and central obesity). High blood pressure and obesity both acts as risk factors for the development of non communicable disease. Student’s awareness therefore should be increased to reduce central obesity and BP within normal range.

Forced Vital Capacity in Obese Females.

Obesity is increasing global problem. It is associated with various life threatening and metabolic problems. It’s effect on CVS, endocrine liver diseases have been studied many times. The present study was planned to assess Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) in obese females. A total 100 obese and 102 non obese females (21-65 years) were recruited in this study. Obesity was determined by BMI (Body Mass Index), Percentage of body fat, and WHR (Waist Hip Ratio). FVC was recorded on a computerized Medspiror. Obese females showed decrease in FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) as compared to non obese one. This indicates that obesity affects pulmonary functions with manifestation of restrictive ventilatory defect.