Factors Related to Obesity among Female Students of a Medical College in Bangladesh

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity is increasing at an alarming rate in many parts of the world. About 2.5 billion people are overweight and one third of them are obese worldwide. Obesity has now become a public health issue affecting both developed and developing countries simultaneously. It is a multifactorial condition caused by a combination of behavioral, social, environmental and genetic factors. Females are particularly vulnerable to developing serious chronic health conditions associated with obesity. The aim of the study was to identify overweight and obese female medical students during their undergraduate years and address the issue of obesity. Identifying and addressing the risk factors at an early stage may help to reduce various morbidities and long-term complications among female medical students.

Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among 253 female medical students of Green Life Medical College from October 2022 to December 2022. Non probability purposive sampling was done and data were collected through face-to-face interview by using semi-structured questionnaire.

Results: Among 253 female medical students, half of them (54.9%) were found to be in normal BMI range. However, 28.9% and 13% were found overweight and obese respectively. Majority (88.5%) had their sleeping time less than 7 hours and maximum students (83%) had mentioned the usual bed time is after 12 am. More than one third female medical students (39.9%) did not exercises regularly. One third (36.8%) did exercise only for just 30 minutes among those who did exercise and only 21.1% did >30 minutes and about half (47.4%) preferred walking as their mode of exercise. Majority (88.9%) of them did not follow a diet chart. Family history of obesity was present in only 10.28% respondents. About one fourth female students (19.8%) had irregular menstrual cycles. Two third (78.66%) of female medical students in this study were found to be desk bounded for more than 3 hours in a day. This study revealed that obesity is significantly associated with menstrual irregularities (P= 0.024, Or= 0.490, 5% CI= 0.262-0.917) and desk bound (P= 0.039, Or= 1.961, 5% CI= 1.026- 3.747). This study found no significant association between obesity with family income, physical activity, sleeping habit and food habit.

Conclusion: Obesity is a new challenge for developing countries and urges immediate attention and prevention. The prevalence of obesity and overweight increased among the young girls at a higher rate. Health promotion can be done by health education and lifestyle modification in terms of healthy sleep habit, desk bound habit and regular physical exercise.

Green Life Med. Col. J 2026;11(2): 38-44