A Study of anthropometric data variation in Ist & IInd term of IstMBBS students of DBVP RMC
Keywords:
WHR (Waist Hip Ratio), BMI (Body Mass Index)Abstract
Objective: Medical students often undergo lifestyle changes due to academic pressure, altered dietary habits, and variations in physical activity levels. These factors can significantly influence their anthropometric profiles. By examining the trends in these measurements, this research intends to highlight potential correlations between academic routines and body composition changes. Understanding these variations can contribute to better health awareness among students and may aid in establishing preventive strategies for maintaining optimal physical well-being during their medical training. This study, aims to analyze the fluctuations in key anthropometric parameters—height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist hip circumference ratio(WHR), relative fat mass percentage (RFM%), waist height ratio (W/Ht) —across the two academic terms.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze anthropometric variations among first-year MBBS students of DBVP RMC across their first and second terms. A total of 200 students participated, including 102 males and 96 females. All measurements were taken in a controlled environment following standard anthropometric procedures. Participants were instructed to wear light clothing and remove footwear before assessment. Measurements were taken twice, once in the first term and again in the second term, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
Results: This study demonstrates that anthropometric parameters in first-year MBBS students at DBVP RMC undergo measurable variations between the first and second academic terms, with distinct patterns observed in male and female students. Significant gender-based differences exist for key anthropometric indicators like BMI, WHR, and RFM%, W/Ht. The regression analysis highlights evolving relationships between these parameters, particularly the strengthening association between age and weight in males during the first year.
Conclusions: These findings have implications for understanding the physiological changes occurring in students during their initial transition to medical education. Further research with longitudinal follow-up, larger sample sizes, and the inclusion of lifestyle factors (diet, physical activity, stress levels) could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the determinants of these anthropometric variations and their potential long-term health implications. Monitoring these parameters could be valuable for promoting health and well-being among medical students.
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