Effects of perceived stress on lipid profile and BMI (body mass index) in health professional students of Sumandeep Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Vadodara

Abstract

Nelson Mandela, one of the all-time great personalities of the world beautifully described about how education is a powerful tool by commenting that "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". In order to be educated, one has to acquire adequate amount of competency in the program. We often experience that most of the students are under stress, not only striving to be competent but also to achieve a high level in this competitive environment. "stress is an unpleasant state of emotional and physiological arousal that individuals experience in situations that they perceive as dangerous or threatening to their well-being" Cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, SBKS MI & RC, SVDU for consecutive two batches 2016-17 & 2017-18. Total 506 first-year MBBS, BDS & BPT students were studied for age, gender, Lipid Profile and Body mass index.Stress was assessed by PSS-10 scale. Two groups were identified as their PSS score, stressed and non-stressed. Various studies have shown to increase in total cholesterol and LDL level during stress stage also TAG in individuals who had experienced high levels of stress in the preceding 6–12 months also seen changes in body mass index.