[ study of body mass index in students of Bam educational centers]

ABSTRACT

Nowadays obesity is assumed as a global health problem and its prevalence increased in recent decade. It is known as a risk factor for several diseases such as diabetes mellitus. hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease and cancer. This study was undertaken to evaluate the obesity and overweight in Bam students. 330 students [140 male and 190 female] with mean age of 21.78 +/- 2.61 were selected from Bam educational centers in stratified sampling. Weight and height were measured without shoes and unneeded cloths. Weight and height were measured using a standard protocol and body mass index [kg/m[2]] was calculated. The criteria used to define body composition were based on BMI cut-off points of the WHO expert committee. The results shows the mean and SD BMI were 21.082 +/- 3.216 overall, and 22.08 +/- 3.08, 21.59 +/- 3.31, respectively, in male and female students. 14.1% of students were underweight, 70.9% normal weight. 12.1% overweight and 2.1% obese. 12.7% of females and 13.8% of males had visceral obesity. A significant relation between family history of obesity and BMI is seen [P<0.05]. As results show some of female and male students are in a degree of overweight and obesity, therefore launching nutritional services and life style modification program are recommended