Prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade em estudantes do Curso Medicina da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande.

Abstract

Background: We have currently observed profound changes in eating habits among young people in Brazil and worldwide. The aim of the study is to report the prevalence of overweight and obesity in medical students of Campina Grande Federal’s University, besides the association between overweight/obesity and physical activity, eating habits, gender, duration of the sleep, parents’ obesity. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 205 medical students from graduation of Campina Grande Federal’s University. A self-administered questionnaire was used which included questions on socio-demography, anthropometry, eating habits, physical activity, parents’ obesity and sleep duration. Results: Prevalence of overweight and obesity in this population was 24,4% and 4,4% respectively. Waist circumference and neck circumference were high in 23,4% e 18,0% of the students, mostly between man. The prevalence of sedentary lifestyle was 44,9% (59,6% were man). More than a half participants affirmed that they’re parents have overweight/obesity (54,6%). Mean sleep’s hours was 6 daily (52,2%). There was found significantly association between overweight/obesity, gender male, (p < 0,001), parents’ obesity/overweight (p = 0,007), eating out (p = 0,013) and non-regular eating habits (p < 0,001). Conclusions: Despite all the knowledge about gain of weight and poor eating habits, the medical students of Campina Grande Federal’s University are unprotected from the overweight/obesity’s epidemic. Thus, the college has an important role on the student’s formation, which will spread out those good habits for their patients and, consequently, to the society.