Research Article | Open Access
ESTIMATION OF BODY MASS INDEX AMONG FIRST YEAR UNDERGRADUATE DENTAL STUDENTS IN AN UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL AT CHENNAI
Bharath Kumar. N, V. Vishnu Priya, Gayathri.R, Kavitha.S
Pages: 108-117
Abstract
Background: Body mass index (BMI) is a value derived from the mass (weight) and height of a person. The BMI is
a convenient rule of thumb used to broadly categorize a person as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese
based on tissue mass (muscle, fat, and bone) and height.
Methods: The study was conducted among 100 first year undergraduate dental students, during the month of
February 2021. Students belong to the age group of 17 to 20. No personal identifiers were collected. Participants
were asked to fill a consent form and a proper awareness of the study was given. The data collected were analysed
using SPSS software version 23. Chart analysis was carried out with data collected in software and results were
represented in pie charts and bar graphs.
Results: The study involved 54% male and 46% female participants. From the study it was evident that about 25.5%
of the participants were found to be overweight and 14.3% of the participants were found to be underweight.
Conclusion: From the present study it can be concluded that there is an increased variance in BMI seen among
females than in males. The progressive increase in the mean BMI among females is alarming as the BMI depends on
sex and generally less among women.
Keywords
Novel technique, Body mass index (BMI), obesity,overweight, fat, physical fitness, lifestyle, innovative