PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND BMI OF MEDICAL STUDENTS AT REHMAN MEDICAL COLLEGE, PESHAWAR

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals are predisposed to obesity and overweight by sedentary life styles and lack of physical activity. The deskbound life style is also known to track from childhood into adulthood with consequent cardiovascular and metabolic problems. This study aimed to describe the frequency of physical activity and the relationship between physical activity and body mass index of first year MBBS students at Rehman Medical College, Peshawar Pakistan.

Material & Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in 2011 to collect data of first year MBBS students regarding their body mass index and habitual physical activities. A total number of 54 students participated in the study.  Data were collected on a self-reporting questionnaire regarding their physical activity while heights and weights were measured using weight machine and measuring tape. Finally correlation was obtained for students BMI and regular physical activity.

Results: Out of 54 students, 9(17%) were involved in vigorous activities on regular basis. About 50% of them were using bicycle or walking for at least 10 minutes continuously to get to and from places. Overweight and grade 1 obesity was seen in 13% (75% of male and 25% of female), and 8% (86% of male and 14% of female), respectively. Leisure time, physical activity (duration of typical working day, walking, cycling etc) were inversely associated with body mass index. A steady increase in BMI was noticed among students whose recreation, sport or leisure time involved mostly sitting, reclining, or standing, with no physical activity (r = 0.5, p = 0.001).

Conclusion: A physically active life style and regular involvement in moderate physical activities like cycling and walking maximizes the chances of having normal body weight, while sedentary life style with less physical activities may result in increased body weight of medical students.