Study of knowledge and practices in relation to obesity among 1st year medical students of Belgaum Institute of Medical Sciences, Belgaum

[...]this study attempts to know the knowledge and their practice toward obesity among 1st year MBBS students of Belgaum Institute of Medical Sciences, Belgaum. 37% and 27% knew the BMI values to say overweight and obesity, respectively. 44% were of the opinion that the lack of physical activity and genetic susceptibility are risk factor, 57% knew that cancers are associated with obesity, but only 23% and 15% were aware that hypertension and diabetes, respectively, are associated with obesity. 90% of the participants knew that obesity is preventable, and lifestyle modification is an important aspect in the management of obesity and that regular exercise is the best strategy to prevent obesity. 10% and 7% of participants knew the recommended fruits/vegetables intake and physical activity, respectively, for good health, and 47% knew that obesity can be treated. 97% of the participants have their regular food from either mess or at home, and 54% of participants had never skipped their breakfast, and 40 % of them skipped once or twice a week. 61% of participants have regular meals, and 86% of the participants said that they have outside food occasionally. 56% and 72% of them have occasional fried food and bakery items, respectively. 40% of them limit sweet and sugar intake. 46% of the students were involved in daily physical activities, and 73% of them spent more than 2 h watching TV or computer. According to the WHO guidelines, 5 servings of fruits/ vegetables (400 g/day) and at least 150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic activity through the week are recommended to reduce the risk of communicable diseases. [...]alterations in their lifestyles can be explained in terms of stress and anxiety, long study and working hours prevailing in medical profession, peer pressure, change in the living environment that is from home to hostels and mainly because of increase in the number of cafés, fast food outlets wherehigh calorie/fat rich food is easily available and hence increasing the risk factor for overweight and obesity in the future.