Association of Dietary Factors with Body Mass Index in Obese Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Obesity is a major public health issue characterised by excessive fat buildup and is associated with illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidaemia. This study explores the relationship between dietary habits and Body Mass Index (BMI) in obese patients. A cross-sectional survey of 156 obese patients aged 20 to 60 years was enrolled, and a pretested questionnaire assessed dietary factors in different domains (meal pattern, fatty foods intake, and other diet-related factors. The results of the study showed that the majority of respondents, 38.3% had reported no regular eating pattern. About 48.3% of respondents had consumed fruit occasionally. A substantial majority of the respondents' daily intake of high-calorie foods like fried (36.7%), processed (51.7%), and junk (35%) was significantly linked to elevated BMI in obese patients (p < 0.05). This study also found significant associations between meal patterns and low fruit intake with BMI (p < 0.05). This study underscores the significant link between unhealthy dietary patterns and elevated BMI in obese patients. Implementing focused nutritional strategies is crucial for combating obesity and enhancing overall well-being. Key words: Obesity, dietary patterns, Body mass index