A study on the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome among students of a medical college

Abstract

Background: Obesity is emerging as a serious problem throughout the world. The overall life expectancy is significantly shortened and the quality of life decreased in those who are excessively overweight. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by a constellation of individual risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Central obesity is a key feature of this syndrome, reflecting the fact that the syndrome’s prevalence is driven by strong relationship between waist circumference and increasing obesity. Awareness about MetS in medical students is the need of the hour.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Dr. PSIMS and RF, Chinnoutpalli, Andhra Pradesh, India involving 400 medical students. A pre-tested questionnaire, measurement of blood pressure, fasting glucose level, fasting lipid profile, anthropometric variables such as height, weight, waist circumference and hip circumference were taken. Metabolic syndrome was defined based on the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Data was processed using SPSS version 16. T-test, chi-square test, fisher’s exact test, anova and odd’s ratio were used for statistical analysis.Results: 59% of the study population was female. The prevalence of obesity was 4%, with majority being males (81.25%) The MetS prevalence as per the International diabetes federation (IDF) criteria was 6% (n=24). The prevalence of MetS in males was 12.19% (n=20) and in females 1.69%. (n=4). The risk of developing metabolic syndrome is high among those who smoke, consume alcohol, consume junk food and sleep for longer durations.Conclusions: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is 6%. A significant association is established between life style habits like smoking, alcohol consumption, junk food consumption, sleep duration and MetS.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Metabolic Syndrome among University Students in Bintulu, Sarawak, Malaysia

“…The present study demonstrated that the prevalence of MetS was higher in males compared to females and males were 3.4 times more likely to develop MetS than females, which is statistically significant. This result agreed with several previous students' studies (10,12,26,34). The higher prevalence of MetS in males can be related to excess body weight, sedentary lifestyles such as physical inactivity and a higher rate of smoking.…”

“…Previous studies The association between physical exercise and MetS was not statistically significant. A number of previous studies also agreed with this finding that there is no significant relationship between MetS and physical exercise (10,12,19). In contrast, a previous study found sedentary lifestyle is significantly associated with MetS (8).…”

“…The questions (sociodemographic, lifestyle, dietary habits) in the study instruments were selected from previous journals (10,14,15,16,17) and proceeded for pilot test before being administered to the participants. Qualified nurses conducted the anthropometric measurements (weight, height, and waist circumference).…”

“…Besides that, MetS among the 18-30 years old population with a college education have increased significantly worldwide (6). Their unhealthy food habit (7), lack of physical activities (8), smoking habit (9), and alcohol consumption (10) is the contributing factors to increase MetS. Studies have reported that the prevalence of MetS among African American university students ranged from 0% to 19.2% (11).…”

A study of the frequency of overweight, obesity and metabolic syndrome among university students

“…(1) Abdominal obesity (If BMI is > 30 kg/m 2 , central obesity can be assumed and waist circumference does not need to be measured) waist circumference male > 102 cm , female > 88 cm; (2) triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL; (3) HDL cholesterol male < 40 mg/dL, female < 50 mg/dL; (4) BP ≥ 130 / ≥ 85 mmHg; (5) fasting glucose ≥ 110 mg/dL. 10,19 Statistical analyses SPSS software version 16.0 was used for analysis. Collected data were described by frequencies and percentages.…”