Prevalence and significance of generalised and central body obesity among medical students

Background: Obesity is a major modifiable cardiovascular risk factor as studied by American Heart Association. Aim of present study was to determine the prevalence of generalised and central body obesity among Medical Students and association of obesity measured by body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with health risk factors. Material and methods: The present study was conducted on 200 medical students including 102 males and 98 females in the age group of 18-23 years in the Department of Physiology, Govt. Medical College, Amritsar. For generalised obesity (BMI> 25 kg/m2 and abdominal or central obesity (WC 94>cm in males and 80 >cm in females) were used. Results: The prevalence of generalised obesity in males and females was 75.51% (males 50.0%, females 25.51%) and abdominal or central obesity 82% (males 14% and females 68%). Isolated generalised obesity (BMI increased and WC normal) in males and female was 62.96% and 37.04% and isolated abdominal obesity (WC increased and BMI normal) in males and females 17.28% and 82.72%. Combined obesity (BMI and WC both increased) in males and females 40.12% and 59.88%. Conclusion: Prevalence of combined obesity was found high among both sexes. While isolated generalised obesity was more common in males and isolated abdominal obesity more common in females. However, these prevalence rates vary markedly depending on cut points used. WC is a better marker of obesity related risk than BMI.