EFFECTS OF FAST FOOD ON BMI AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH OF MEDICAL STUDENTS OF CENTRAL PARK MEDICAL COLLEGE LAHORE

Background: The trend of increasing fast food consumption among people especially among students is raising serious health related issues which includes obesity, increased BMI and other psychological issues. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of fast food consumption on the physical and psychological health status of medical students of CPMC. Objectives: To study the effects of fast food on BMI of medical students and to evaluate the effects of fast food on the different aspects of psychological health of medical students. Material and Methods: Study Design: Cross sectional study Study Setting and duration: The study was conducted in Central Park Medical College situated in Lahore. The study lasted for one month 25th April to 25th May, 2014. Inclusion criteria: Medical students from 1st year to 5th year. Both genders. Both day scholars and hostilities. Data Collection and analysis: We will approach those students in Central Park Medical College, Lahore who fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Verbal informed consent will be taken and students will be assured to have confidentiality. Data will be collected according to pretested structured questionnaire from students. The data will be entered and analyzed by computer software SPSS version 14. The qualitative variable will be presented as frequency and percentage. The quantitative variable will be presented as mean and standard deviation. The independent variables will be cross tabulated with dependent variables to find out any association using Chi square chart. The value p>0.05 will be taken as statistically insignificant. Results: Out of sample of 200 medical students, 153 (76.5%) have normal BMI, 20 (10%) are underweight, 24 (12%) are overweight and 3 (1.5%) are obese. 45.5% prefer homemade food, 29.5% prefer fast food and 25% have inclination towards healthy food. 40% people think that weight is increased due to fast food. Keywords: BMI, obesity, fast food, medical students.