TMSS Medical College Journal

Background: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a commonly used indicator to assess nutritional status. Medical students often develop lifestyle and dietary habits during their study years, which can significantly stimulus their future health and professional responsibilities. This study aimed to assess the categories of BMI as well as to correlate the dietary habits and lifestyle with the categories of BMI of students of TMSS Medical College. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 330 Bangladeshi and international students from Ist to Sth year at TMSS Medical College, Bogra from January 2023 to June 2024. Data were collected through anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI calculation) and structured questionnaires covering socio-demographic data, dietary habits, and psychosocial factors. BMI was categorized as underweight, normal, overweight, and obese. Chi-square tests were used to assess the association between BMI categories and dietary lifestyle fuctors. Results: Among participants, 59.10% had normal BMI, 10.64% were underweight, 23.32% overweight, and 7.00% obese. BMI distribution varied significantly by academic year, age, known disorders, and menstrual history (P < 0.05). No significant association was found between BMI and most dietary habits including skipping meals, fruit/vegetable intake, and milk consumption. However, a significant association was found between fast food consumption and BMI (P = 0.002). Conclusion: While most students had normal BMI, a concerning proportion were overweight or obese. Fast food consumption showed a significant correlation with BMI. This highlights the need for dietary awareness, regular BMI screening, and health education programs among medical students to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce long-term health risks.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple yet effective anthropometric tool used globally to assess an individual's nutritional status and categorize them as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese based on their height and weight." It serves as a key indicator in public health for evaluating the risk of various health conditions related to both undernutrition and overnutrition. Among young adults, especially medical students aged between 18 to 25 years, BMI is particularly important, as this stage of life marks a critical period for the development of long-term health behaviors and lifestyle choices.” Medical students, during their transition into adulthood, experience significant lifestyle changes due to academic demands, new social environments, and increased personal responsibilities. These factors often contribute to altered dietary patterns, meal skipping, increased consumption of fast food and snacks, and a sedentary lifestyle.® Such habits not only affect their current health status but also increase the risk of developing chronic non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.