Prevalence of Overweight/Obesity Among Novice Female Students of Medical and Paramedical Colleges in Ahmedabad, India: A Comparative Study Between 2011 and 2021

Abstract

Background: Given the ever-increasing prevalence of overweight/obesity among adolescent females and its detrimental effects on the future generation, it is necessary to estimate its prevalence among medical and paramedical female students who are the pillars of healthcare system and are at a higher risk of weight disorders due to sedentary lifestyle, disordered eating habits and increased stress. This study was conducted to Aim: determine to determine the change in the prevalence of overweight/obesity among novice medical and paramedical female students at the Civil Hospital Campus from 2011 to 2021. A repeated descriptive cross-sectional study wa Methods: s conducted among 342 novice females at Civil Hospital Campus in June 2021. There were no exclusion criteria for the study. Data was collected with permission, using a pretested proforma and the BMI was calculated. Statistical Analysis was done using Microsoft Excel and Epi-info Software. The prevalence of overweight Results: among these students has increased from 21.29% in 2011 to 25.44% in 2021, while the mean weight of overweight girls among these students has increased from 63.15 kg in 2011 to 64.37 kg in 2021. Health care practitioners and policy makers Conclusion: need to be aware of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in order to emphasize the prevention of weight-related disorders among these students. As these disorders can increase the risk of developing chronic illnesses in adulthood, addressing its risk factors and carrying out periodic monitoring is important