Introduction: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing these days. The adverse effect of obesity can be seen in different physiological functions. Relative fat mass is a newly identified parameter to estimate whole body fat. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of obesity among medical students of a medical college. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among medical students of a medical college from 1 September 2021 to 30 January 2022. Ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: FNMC/539/078/79). Simple random sampling was done. Height was measured using a stadiometer and waist circumference was measured using non-stretchable tape. Relative fat mass was calculated using the relative fat mass equation. The data was categorised according to the distribution of fat mass. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. Results: Out of 180 medical students, 57 (31.67%) (24.87-38.47, 95% Confidence Interval) were obese according to relative fat mass cut-off. The mean fat mass among male and female participants with high relative fat mass was 27.057±1.42 and 35.674±2.63 respectively. Conclusions: The prevalence of obesity was lower than in other studies done in similar settings.

Introduction: Cardiorespiratory fitness is an indicator of cardiovascular health, usually expressed as VO2max. VO2max is the capacity of our body to transport and utilize oxygen during maximal exertion. The present study attempts to assess the level of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in medical students and compare VO2max between physically active and insufficiently active students. Materials and Methods: An observational cross sectional study was conducted in 246 medical students (123 males and females each) of age between 18 to 23 years in National Medical College, Birgunj. After obtaining ethical clearance, screening was done with American College of Sports Medicine participants screening questionnaire. Students were classified as physically active and insufficiently active by using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. VO2max was calculated from recovery heart rate counted from fifth to twentieth second of recovery after step test. Finally, subjects were categorized into different level of cardiorespiratory fitness based on their VO2max values. Results: Present study found 33.6% of insufficiently physical active students. Females had higher prevalence of insufficient physical activity (40.6%) than males (26.8%). The VO2max of male and female was 46.79 ± 8.98 and 36.15 ± 4.66 ml/Kg/min respectively. Majority of female participants had ‘average’ VO2max whereas in male, distribution is almost equal in ‘excellent’, ‘good’ and ‘fair’ category. Conclusion: Around one-third of medical students did not meet the level of physical activity recommended by WHO for health. Majority of them had ‘average’ level of VO2max and those physically active had better cardiorespiratory fitness.

Introduction Hand grip strength is used in evaluation of muscle strength and is also increasingly being used as an indicator for nutritional status. The maximum force applied voluntarily by the subject is called maximum handgrip strength, which is measured in kilograms. Muscular endurance is the ability of a muscle or muscle group to perform against a load for an extended period of time, measured in seconds. This study aims to correlate body mass index with handgrip strength and handgrip endurance in medical students. MethodsThis is a cross sectional, observational study which included 74 undergraduate students of Maharajgunj Medical Campus by convenient sampling method. Body mass index was calculated by Quetelet’s formula. Camry digital hand dynamometer was used to measure handgrip strength in the dominant hand in kilograms. Participants were instructed to hold dynamometer with maintained pressure of 30% of maximum handgrip strength for as long as possible to determine the handgrip endurance. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS Statistics software. ResultsThe handgrip strength was more in males than females with a mean of 43.09±3.72 kg, while handgrip endurance was more in females with a mean of 123.60±50.65 sec. Positive correlation was seen between body mass index and handgrip strength (r=0.23 and p=0.045). Body mass index and handgrip endurance also showed positive correlation (r=0.34 and p=0.003). ConclusionSignificant correlation of body mass index with handgrip strength and handgrip endurance was seen in medical students.

Introduction Yoga is a practice of mind and body that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. Yoga helps reduce stress, lower blood pressure and heart rate. It is considered one of many complementary and integrative health approaches. Yoga brings together physical and mental discipline that may help achieve a healthy body and peaceful mind. In this study, we aim to assess knowledge and awareness regarding yoga and its benefit among preclinical students.  Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study includes 176 preclinical medical students of National Medical College, Birgunj, Nepal. A total of 14 self-designed close-ended questionnaires regarding knowledge and awareness about Yoga were used as a study tool. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel, 2010. Results Among 176 preclinical students, 77.84% had the habit of practicing yoga, but only 14.20% of students continued it. About 96.59% of students knew the benefits of yoga. Conclusion The result of the study reveals that there is a positive influence of practicing yoga among students. By practicing yoga, it is capable to achieve personal abilities such as stress management, attention in their work, and maintenance of physical and mental health.

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic condition with an increase in adipose tissues. It is known to affect various systems of body including the central nervous system. Reaction time is a measure of the integrity of the central nervous system which is an integrated voluntary response to a stimulus that includes receiving and processing of stimulus, drawing inference, and generating a motor response. This study was conducted with the objective of finding a relationship between body mass index, a measure of obesity and simple visual reaction time. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 60 participants aged 18-25 years. The body mass index of participants was calculated using Quetelet’s index, calculated by weight in kilograms divided by square of height in meter. Deary-Liewald reaction time task software version 3.10 was used to analyze their simple visual reaction time. Correlation of reaction time and body mass index was assessed using Pearson’s correlation test. Results: A weak positive correlation (r= 0.17) was observed between body mass index and simple visual reaction time but the correlation coefficient was not statistically significant (p=0.19). Conclusions: Slower visual reaction time with an increase in body mass index was noted. But the findings of current study were inadequate to deduce if any linear relationship exists between simple visual reaction time and body mass index.