Changes in Body Mass Index (BMI) During First Year among Undergraduate Students of a Medical College in New Delhi

Background: The transition from secondary school to university is a critical period in student’s life which can influence their nutri- tional status impacting health in later life. The study conducted to assess changes in BMI after 8 months of admission among first year undergraduate students of a Medical College. Methodology: A descriptive longitudinal study was conducted among 150 MBBS students of a Government Medical College, New Delhi, during April-May 2018 in which their weight and height were measured at the time of admission and at 8 months of follow up. Results: There was significant decrease in mean BMI from the base- line (24.02 kg/m2) to follow-up (23.02 kg/m2) [t=-5.76,