Correlation of Physio-Biochemical Parameters with Dietary Pattern Among Medical Students of Western UP - A Cross-Sectional Study
TL;DR
Breakfast skipping was highly prevalent among medical students irrespective of residence status and the need to promote regular breakfast consumption and healthy dietary practices to support long-term metabolic health is emphasized.
Abstract
Background: Dietary habits established during young adulthood play a crucial role in determining long-term health and metabolic outcomes. Medical students are particularly vulnerable to unhealthy eating behaviors due to academic stress, irregular schedules, and hostel living, which may adversely affect physiological and biochemical health. This study aimed to assess dietary patterns and their association with physiological and biochemical parameters among medical students especially between day scholars and hostelers. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 150 first-year MBBS students. Dietary habits and demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Anthropometry and body composition were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for hemoglobin, Blood Glucose, lipid profile, vitamin B12, and vitamin D3. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the 150 first-year MBBS students was 19.72 ± 1.30 years; 62.67% were males, 37.33% were females and 79.33% were hostelers, 20.67 %were day scholars. Breakfast skipping was common (54.0%), although 79.33% of participants consumed three meals daily. No significant differences were observed between hostelers and day scholars in biochemical parameters or body composition measurements (all p>0.05). Conclusion: Breakfast skipping was highly prevalent among medical students irrespective of residence status. No significant differences were observed in biochemical parameters or body composition between hostelers and day scholars. Our findings emphasize the need to promote regular breakfast consumption and healthy dietary practices to support long-term metabolic health. Key words: Medical students; Dietary habits; Body composition; Biochemical parameters; Nutritional status.