Risk of eating disorders and its relationship with body mass index and self-esteem among medical student

Abstract

Introduction: Binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are considered to be the most common forms of eating disorders. An eating disorder is a cause of concern for medical students, since it may indicate the presence of psychological illness, with consequent implications for health and work performance. Early detection of such factors is important at an early stage, and resolve it to improve efficiency for future physicians. Aim & Objectives: To evaluate the state of the body mass index (BMI), self-esteem and eating disorders risk among medical students. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of 100 undergraduate, intern and post graduate medical students. Participants were administered with a semi structured proforma consisting of sociodemographic information, self-reported height, and weight to calculate BMI, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES) and eating disorder examination-questionnaire short (EDE-QS). Results: We found male students to be at slightly more risk than female students for developing eating disorders. Male students also had significantly higher BMI. Eating disorders risk was associated with elevated BMI. However, there was no significant correlation between eating disorders risk and self-esteem. Conclusions: The study points out the fact that elevated BMI increases the risk of developing eating disorders in medical students especially male students.