Body Mass Index and Physical Activity of Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study at the Arabian Gulf University

Aims: The aim of the study was to present the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) medical students physical activity and body mass index; and to provide recommendations for promoting physically active lifestyle among the students.

Study Design and Place of Study: A cross sectional study was conducted on medical students enrolled in the AGU in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Methodology: A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was used, which included questions on demography, anthropometry (height and weight) and physical activity.

Results: Of the 535 pre-clerkship medical students (Years 1 to 4), 443 responded to the questionnaire thus resulting in a 82.8% response rate. The weight of the medical students in this study was mostly (57.5%) in the normal range (Body Mass Index from 18.5 to 24.9). Moreover, 13.3% were under weight, 18.5% over weight and 10.7% obese. More than half of the AGU medical students (54.3%) practiced physical activity during the week prior to interview. Among those who practiced physical activity, the majority walked, ran and played team-sports.

Conclusion: The study showed statistically significant differences in BMI and physical activity between male and female students. Urgent interventions are needed to promote aphysically active lifestyle among medical students to improve their wellbeing. Universities should consider having policies on the promotion of the students’ wellbeing and healthy behavioral patterns, providing counseling services at the university and university housings for healthy lifestyle habits and weight control, including physical health in the students’ health counseling services and in the medical curriculum. Further, they should establish a health club for the students in the university campus to practice physical activity and exercise.