Lifestyle changes associated with osteopathic medical education

A written survey of second-year osteopathic medical students at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine was conducted to determine if detrimental lifestyle changes had occurred in the first 15 months of their medical education. Fifty-two (79%) of the 66 students returned the survey. The large majority of the responders (96%) reported a detrimental alteration in at least one area, and 81%, in two or more of the four areas surveyed. Changes in eating patterns were indicated by 79% of responding students. Increases in caffeinated beverage consumption were reported by 71% of respondents, and decreases in activity level, by 78%. Weight gains were indicated by 64% of respondents. Entering students should be advised of the risk that detrimental lifestyle changes may occur during their osteopathic medical education and be encouraged to prevent these harmful changes.