Obesity Burden and Physical Activity Pattern Among Doctors in South India

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Occupational Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Physician careers are associated with health risks, including obesity and related noncommunicable diseases.
• Obesity presents a significant health challenge within the medical profession.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and identify the contributing factors of obesity among Modern Medicine doctors in Kerala.
• To investigate the burden of overweight and obesity in this specific professional group.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 240 doctors in South Kerala (2018-2019).
• Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.
• Statistical analysis included chi-squared tests and binary logistic regression.

Main Results:

• 54% of doctors were found to be overweight or obese.
• Low physical activity was reported by 54.5% of participants.
• Significant associations with obesity included male gender, nuclear family, <6 hours sleep, parental obesity history, and private practice.

Conclusions:

• A majority of doctors in the study were overweight or obese, highlighting a critical public health issue.
• Interventions focusing on modifiable risk factors such as sleep duration and private practice hours are recommended.
• Increased awareness and behavioral changes are necessary to mitigate obesity among physicians.