Dietary factors and prevalence of overweight and obesity among medical students in Kancheepuram: A cross-sectional study

TL;DR

This study finds that nearly a third of medical students in Kancheepuram are overweight or obese, with poor eating habits like frequent fast food and late-night eating linked to higher BMI.

Contribution

The study identifies specific dietary behaviors associated with overweight and obesity in medical students using a validated food frequency questionnaire.

Findings

34.1% of students were overweight and 11.6% were obese.

High fast-food consumption and late-night eating correlated with higher BMI.

Low fruit intake was significantly associated with elevated BMI.

Abstract

The prevalence of overweight and obesity and examined associated dietary factors among 138 medical students in Kancheepuram is of
interest. Anthropometric measurements were recorded and dietary patterns were analyzed using a validated food frequency questionnaire.
The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 34.1% and 11.6%, respectively. High fast-food consumption, frequent late-night
eating and low fruit intake were significantly associated with elevated BMI. Thus, we show the need for targeted nutritional interventions
within medical student populations.