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

ABSTRACT

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.