The Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Medical and Nursing Students of Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity has become one of the important global public health issues. It is significantly associated with the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease. Body Mass Index (BMI) assesses overweight and obesity based on statistical criteria.

Methods: A cross-sectionaldescriptive study was carried out in young male medical and female nursing students in the department of Clinical Physiology, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu from January 2019 to March 2019. Subjects were selected by convenient sampling and BMI was calculated in 116 medical and nursing students.

Results: Out of 60 male medical students, 7(11.7%) were underweight, 48 (80%) were normal weight and 5(8.3%) were overweight. Similarly, out of 56 female nursing students, 1(1.8%) was underweight, 46(82.1%) were normal weight, 7(12.5%) were overweight and 2(3.6%) were obese.

Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing worldwide in all age groups. Young Nepalese people are also affected and are at risk of developing non-communicable diseases. Adaptation of healthy life styles and healthy diets could prevent overweight and obesity.