Metabolic Syndrome and Related Inflammation, Prevalence, and Predictive Value of C-Reactive Protein in South Asian Youths.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is widely prevalent in the South Asian (SA) population. The syndrome leads to a high risk of premature atherosclerosis and diabetes. Obesity, specifically abdominal obesity, is a central pathological mechanism of disease in this population. Ethnic-specific modified measurements of waist circumference (WC) have been proposed for the diagnosis in various populations, including those of SA phenotype. We studied the prevalence of MetS and subclinical inflammation in young physically fit students in a major urban city of Pakistan. Specifically, we addressed the new lower WC measurement and its relationship with MetS and inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured as a marker for subclinical inflammation. Methods: A total of 509 respondents (mean age 19.86 years) filled out self-administered questionnaires for data collection. Measurements were made by trained nurses using standardized equipment and fasting blood samples were drawn for chemical analysis. Data were verified, tabulated, and statistically analyzed. Results: MetS was identified in 6% of this cohort and 16% had subclinical information as measured by CRP. Higher CRP levels were noted with higher WC and independently identified subjects with MetS. CRP levels of ≥2.2 mg/dL predicted presence of MetS. Conclusions: MetS is widely prevalent in young, otherwise physically fit, individuals. High proportion of this young cohort had evidence of subclinical inflammation as measured by CRP. Increasing WC showed significant correlation with higher CRP levels, level of 2.2 mg/dL independently identified MetS in this cohort.

A Study to Evaluate the Lifestyle of Medical Students in Lahore, Pakistan.

Introduction Medical school is a challenging period that may bring about undesired changes in health and lifestyle habits. In order to thrive both mentally and physically, students must maintain a balanced routine and adopt healthy lifestyles. Scientific evidence confirms that unhealthy life habits play an important role in the development of many disorders in all age groups. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of these lifestyle habits among medical students of a renowned private sector medical school based in Lahore, Pakistan, and to identify their association with variables such as socio-demographic characteristics, year of medical school, and personal beliefs. Methodology This cross-sectional study of 300 medical students included a self-administered questionnaire comprising (in addition to socio-demographic characteristics) information about healthy lifestyle practices in the following areas: gender, age, sleep, dietary habits, addictions, physical activity, and hygiene practices. The students were undergraduates in the first to fifth years of M.B.B.S, aged ≥18 years, and gave informed consent. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, US). The chi-squared test was used to determine the association. Results The frequencies of healthy, fairly healthy, and unhealthy lifestyles were 30.7%, 62.3%, and 7%, respectively. In a sample of 33.3% males and 66.7% females, the fairly healthy lifestyle was most prevalent (62.3%) followed by the healthy lifestyle (30.7%) and unhealthy lifestyle (7.0%). Third-year MBBS had the highest prevalence of healthy lifestyle (n=20, 40.8%). Fourth-year MBBS had the highest prevalence of a fairly healthy lifestyle (n=70, 75.3%). Whereas, second-year MBBS had the highest prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle (n=9, 11%). This difference between classes was statistically significant (p=0.006). Conclusion In order to combat the low level of healthy lifestyles in medical students, it is recommended that measures such as awareness programs and seminars be put in place.

Perception and Management of Obesity Among Pakistani Doctors.

Background The incidence of obesity has been on the rise worldwide. In Pakistan alone, one in four adults is overweight/obese and thus at risk of developing a number of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This research aimed to examine how doctors perceived and managed their obese patients. Methods A standardized questionnaire was filled by 100 doctors working in Pakistan, either by hand or online. The study was conducted from November 2017 to January 2018. Results It was found that only 8% of doctors had completed a training course on obesity. Doctors discussed the links between obesity and diabetes (88%) most often whilst neglecting cancer (30%) and dementia (17%). Only 60% of doctors calculated body mass index (BMI) for adult obese patients, with general practitioners (GPs) being the most confident in discussing their weight issues (p=0.001). In terms of childhood obesity, 54% of doctors were confident in putting in place a weight management program. Doctors who checked their weight more than four times a year were found to calculate the BMI of children and adult patients more often (p=0.000 and p=0.044). Comparably, doctors of normal weight were more confident in managing the complications of adult obesity (p=0.015). Conclusion Training courses regarding obesity should be provided to doctors not only to increase their knowledge but also to increase their confidence levels in managing such patients. Further research needs to be carried out in order to understand the patients' perception of obesity management.