Obesity among Medical Students of a Medical College: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing these days. The adverse effect of obesity can be seen in different physiological functions. Relative fat mass is a newly identified parameter to estimate whole body fat. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of obesity among medical students of a medical college. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among medical students of a medical college from 1 September 2021 to 30 January 2022. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: FNMC/539/078/79). Simple random sampling was done. Height was measured using a stadiometer and waist circumference was measured using non-stretchable tape. Relative fat mass was calculated using the relative fat mass equation. The data was categorised according to the distribution of fat mass. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Out of 180 medical students, 57 (31.67%) (24.87-38.47, 95% Confidence Interval) were obese according to relative fat mass cut-off. The mean fat mass among male and female participants with high relative fat mass was 27.057±1.42 and 35.674±2.63 respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of obesity was lower than in other studies done in similar settings.