Saad Javed, Razia Chaudhry.
Body mass index and its correlation with sociodemographic indicators among students of a Medical Institution, Lahore.
Biomedica Jan ;25(1):77-84.

The purpose of this study was to assess the status of Body Mass Index (BMI) and to find out the relationship of dietary factors, physical activity, addiction pattern and family history of obesity, diabetes and hypertension with BMI. In addition to identify risk group for focused intervention of modification in lifestyle and information, education and communication (IEC). This is a crosssectional study on the students of King Edward Medical University {including those of MBBS & BDS), from May 2008 to Sept. 2008. Data was collected from 160 students by systematic random sampling technique, Desired information was collected by administering a questionnaire. Data was compiled, analysed for percentages and proportions, calculation of BMI & factors associated with BMI were evaluated by using SPSS and descriptive analysis technique (Chi-Square) and P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Among the 160 students under study, 68 were males and 92 females. Twenty seven (18.8%) were in category of pre-obese and obese (BMI 25-29.9 & above) and among the rest 119 (74.41%) were within normal range of BMI (18.5-24.9) and 14 (8.8%) were under weight (BMI < 18). Though 27.5% students were asked to take energy dense food 2-3 times/ week but it showed non-significant relationship with BMI (30 & above) (P=0.2219). Significant relationship was observed between high BMI and no sports activity as walking, brisk walking and jogging (Chi square 24.1, 10.7 and P value 0.000019 and 0.001) respectively. Positive family history of obesity, hypertension and diabetes of the respondents had also strong significant relationship with BMI > 29.9. Long study hours (> 5-7 hrs/day) did not show any significant relationship with high BMI (p=0.86). In conclusion though obesity is not high among the students of KEMU (18.8%) the correlating factors as low physical activity, no sports activity and positive family history of obesity, hypertension and diabetes related to the students falling in category of preobese and obese are concluding risk factors for their future health.

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