Estimation of nutritional status and prevalence of obesity in medical students – A descriptive study

ABSTRACT

Background: Obesity and malnutrition are common in adolescent and postadolescent age groups mainly due to their affinity for fast food and irregular diet. It was an effort to estimate the health status of students by conducting specific tests. Aim and Objectives: The objectives of this study were to estimate nutritional status and obesity in medical students. Materials and Methods: One hundred and eighteen medical students aged 17–22 years were included in the study. It was conducted between July 2017 and February 2018 in Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Burla, India, after obtaining ethical clearance. Body mass index was calculated, and hemoglobin percentage was estimated for each student. The prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity, and anemia was estimated. The findings were statistically analyzed. Results: The prevalence of obesity and malnutrition was calculated. Among them, 7.6% were underweight, 70.3% were normal, 20.33% were pre-obese, and 1.7% obese. Their nutritional status was correlated with food habits and physical activity. Conclusion: We can estimate the nutritional status and health status of students by performing simple procedures such as measurements of height and weight and estimation of hemoglobin. By this, we can make students aware of their health and improve their food habits by giving suggestions on their diet.