Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity and Associated Factors Among Medical Students in a Sylhet M.A.G. Osmani Medical College: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Obesity has emerged as a major global health issue and is presently acknowledged as one of the greatest causes of death globally. With over 300 million individuals clinically obese, its prevalence continues to rise, particularly among young adults. Medical students are especially vulnerable due to lifestyle changes that include reduced physical activity, increased stress, irregular eating patterns, and a preference for energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods. Obesity in this population not only increases the risk of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease but also affects mental health, academic performance, and overall quality of life. Despite its serious consequences, obesity often develops gradually and unnoticed, making early identification and intervention critical. Understanding the prevalence and risk factors among medical students is therefore essential to guide effective public health strategies. Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their associated factors among MBBS students in M A G Osmani Medical college in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Methodology: The design of this study was a cross-sectional descriptive study and conducted on a sample of 288 MBBS students in M A G Osmani Medical college Sylhet, Bangladesh. in 2018. Target Population of this study were MBBS Students at M. A. G. Osmani Medical college in Sylhet city. A pre-tested, validated, structured and semi-structured questionnaire was utilized to collect data. Result: This study among medical students showed that most were aged 21–35 years (92.4%) and male (56.25%). About 42% were overweight, 2.8% obese, and 1.4% morbidly obese. Regular meal intake was reported by 63.5%, and 81.3% engaged in sports. Most consumed tea (63.9%), soft drinks (73.3%), and quick meals (75.3%) daily. Around 58.7% never smoked, and 73.3% slept 6–8 hours per day. Conclusion: The study found that overweight and obesity are prevalent among MBBS students at M A G Osmani Medical College, despite low prevalence compared to neighboring countries.