Evaluation of Body Mass Index Among Medical Students

Background: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a crucial indicator of health status, particularly among medical students who are future healthcare providers. Understanding BMI distribution and its associated factors within this population can inform targeted health interventions. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the BMI distribution among medical students at Tikrit University College of Medicine and examine its association with demographic factors, eating habits, and health-related behaviors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 1st to August 25th, 2023. Data were collected using an online survey administered via Google Forms, with a total of 217 medical students participating. The survey gathered information on demographics, eating habits, and health behaviors. BMI was calculated from self-reported height and weight. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests used to assess associations between variables. Results: 79.3% females and 20.7% males were recruited into the study The mean BMI among the students was 23.61 (SD = 4.27). The majority of students were in the normal weight category (61%), followed by overweight (23%), obese (8%), and underweight (8%). A significant association was found between marital status and BMI categories (P < 0.05), with being married linked to being overweight or obese. However, no significant associations were observed between BMI and other variables such as smoking, alcohol consumption, or dietary habits. Conclusion: Most medical students at Tikrit University College of Medicine have a normal BMI, but a considerable proportion are overweight or obese, highlighting the need for health promotion strategies. These findings suggest that further interventions may be necessary to address overweight and obesity within this population.