Several diseases come under the umbrella of non-communicable diseases and the more common cause is obesity.
Obesity is perhaps the most prevalent form of malnutrition in developed countries. There has been an increased awareness of the problem in recent years. It has been estimated to affect 20-40% of adults and 10-20% of children and adolescents in developed countries. Physical inactivity may cause obesity, which in turn restricts activity. This is a vicious circle. It is the reduced energy output that is probably more important in the etiology of obesity.
In a recent study conducted in the United States, it was found that the prevalence of obesity is higher among women than among men. In India also some North Indian studies showed the same results. Given the fact that an increased risk of cardiovascular disease is associated with obesity, it is essential to know the prevalence of overweight and obesity in populations. It is also necessary to find out how far the population is aware of the causes and consequences of obesity. The aim of this study is to find out the extent of the problem of obesity and to assess the subjects’ awareness of risk factors and complications of obesity.
Author(s) Details:
Pravin N Yerpude
Department of Community Medicine, Chhindwara Institute of Medical Sciences, Chhindwara (M.P.)- 480001, India.
Keerti S Jogdand
Department of Community Medicine, Chhindwara Institute of Medical Sciences, Chhindwara (M.P.)- 480001, India.
Recent Global Research Developments in Obesity and Dietary Habits in Medical Students
Global Prevalence of Obesity and Overweight Among Medical Students:
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that the overall pooled prevalence of overweight among medical students was estimated at 18%, with obesity at 9%. The combined prevalence of excess weight (overweight and obesity) was calculated to be 24% [1] .
The study highlights the importance of understanding obesity prevalence among medical students to shape targeted interventions.
Dietary Habits and Obesity Among Medical Students:
Another study revealed a high prevalence of obesity and overweight among medical students of both sexes. It recommends education on healthy eating habits, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity [2] .
Determinants of Overweight/Obesity Among Medical Students:
A study including medical students from different terms found that 26% were overweight or obese. Age and gender were significant factors, with 36.6% males and 63.4% females [3] .
Treatment Practices for Adolescent Obesity:
While not specific to medical students, it’s essential to note that existing practices (behavioral, pharmacologic, surgical, and device interventions) have not been effective at reducing adolescent obesity at the population level [4] .
Risk Factors of Overweight/Obesity-Related Lifestyles in University Students:
This study investigated overweight/obesity-related lifestyles in a representative sample of university students. Although not exclusive to medical students, it sheds light on risk factors [5] .
References
- Shafiee, A., Nakhaee, Z., Bahri, R.A. et al. Global prevalence of obesity and overweight among medical students: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health 24, 1673 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-19184-4
- Mahfouz AA, Alsaleem SA, Alsaleem MA, Ghazy RM. Prevalence of Obesity and Associated Dietary Habits among Medical Students at King Khalid University, Southwestern Saudi Arabia. Medicina. 2024; 60(3):347. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60030347
- Gore, C. A., Subramanian, M., & Jayan, M. (2013). Overweight and obesity and its determinants among medical students in Bangalore, India. Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences, 2(28), 5187-93.
- Cardel MI, Atkinson MA, Taveras EM, Holm J, Kelly AS. Obesity Treatment Among Adolescents: A Review of Current Evidence and Future Directions. JAMA Pediatr. 2020;174(6):609–617. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.0085
- Telleria-Aramburu N, Arroyo-Izaga M. Risk factors of overweight/obesity-related lifestyles in university students: Results from the EHU12/24 study. British Journal of Nutrition. 2022;127(6):914-926. doi:10.1017/S0007114521001483