Obesity prevalence and related factors among medical students in Kayseri

Objective: The present study aimed at investigating obesity prevalence and related factors in medical students in Kayseri. Materials and Methods: A total of 849 medical students were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected using a questionnaire form. Body weight,height,and waist and hip circumferences were measured. Statistical data analysis was performed with chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the 849 students,52.8% were males and mean age was 21.37±1.95 years. More than half of them (64.7%) ate three meals a day,while 78.9% skipped meals; 22.4% ate fast food for more than two times a week,36.9% consumed soft drinks everyday,and 35.3% had a habit of eating at night. Prevalence of overweight,obesity,and central obesity was 22.9% (31.3% males and 13.5% females),2.5% (4.0% males and 0.7% females) and 23.2% (37.5% males and 7.2% females),respectively,the values being significantly higher in males than in females. For obesity,being male,age ≥22 years,living in a dormitory,not eating fruits and vegetables everyday were determined to be risk factors; and for central obesity,being male,age ≥22 years,not eating fruits and vegetables everyday and eating fast food for more than two times a week were determined to be risk factors. Conclusion: Turkish medical students have unhealthy nutritional habits. Male students are at higher risk for obesity and central obesity than are female students. The consciousness of being an example to the community in terms of health and nutrition should be constituted in medical students.