Body Mass Index Profile of Medical Students at Jami University

Objectives: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a critical indicator of nutritional status and a predictor of non-communicable diseases. Medical students, despite their awareness, are not immune to lifestyle-related health risks. This study aims to assess the BMI status of medical students at Jami University and explore associations with lifestyle and demographic factors Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 among undergraduate students (n = 233) of the Faculty of Curative Medicine at Jami University, Herat, Afghanistan. The total student population was approximately 590. Stratified random sampling was used. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and standard anthropometric measurements. Data were analyzed using Epi Info 7.2.5.0 Results: Among the 233 students (152 males, 81 females), the mean BMI was 24.08 ± 3.7 for males and 23.5 ± 4.2 for females. Overall, 61.8% had normal BMI, 4.72% were underweight, 27.47% overweight, and 6.01% obese. Overweight was more prevalent among males, while obesity and underweight were slightly more common among females. Physical inactivity, smoking, and moderate economic status were associated with higher rates of overweight and obesity. Conclusion: The findings indicate a significant prevalence of abnormal BMI among medical students, highlighting the need for targeted health interventions, particularly in promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices among future healthcare professionals.