Estimation of Body Mass Index (BMI) in First Year Medical Students of Skims Medical College, Bemina

IntroductionThe body mass index (BMI) is a measure of relative size based on the mass and height of an individual. Aim As Overweight and obese individuals are at an increased risk for many diseases and health conditions and also as a measure of underweight, owing to advocacy on behalf of those suffering with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa our aim of study is to determine the BMI status of undergraduate first year medical students of SKIMS Medical college Methodology Body weight and height of 100 first year MBBS students measured and body mass index (BMI) values were calculated by dividing weight with (height). Under weight, normal weight, overweight and obesity were defined using WHO international standard BMI cut-offs. Additional information including gender and age were obtained using a structured proforma. The data obtained was compiled and analyzed using SPSS 11.5 for Windows version. Mean standard deviation were calculated. Data was presented in the form of graphs and described in numbers and percentages. Results The First year MBBS students were in the age group of 18 -22 years and male female was in a ratio of 11. (i. e, 50 males& 50 females). The mean height of the male students was 173.6 cms (SD= 5.0) and females 156.24 cms (SD= 7.1). The mean weight of the Male students was 63.5 kg (SD=7.3), and females 56.8 kg (SD=7.6). Overall, 81 % of students were within the normal weight range. Around 10 % males and 20 % female students were overweight. Obesity was found only in 1 % of students. The 3 % students were underweight and included all the male students. Conclusion Being overweight is a rising problem of male and female medical students. Both obesity and under weight issues are seen common in students. Carrying excess body fat, not muscle, puts you at greater risk for health problems such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and stroke.