Biomedicine

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Obesity is a rising public health issue in India, with the young generation particularly at risk. Lifestyle changes, increased screen time and altered sleep patterns are risk factors for obesity in students with high workload, and studies requiring significant digital accessibility. This study aims to explore the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI), screen time, and post-9 pm awake time among first-year MBBS students in a Kolkata-based medical college, with attention to gender-specific variations. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 112 consenting first-year MBBS students at KPC Medical College, Kolkata. Data on BMI, 24-hour screen time, and post- 9 pm awake time were collected via structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis included central tendency and dispersion measurement, student's unpaired T- test  and Pearson correlation using SPSS v27. Results: The mean BMI of participants was 23.17 kg/m², mean 24-hour screen time was 5.26 hours, and mean post-9 pm awake time 4.08 hours. No significant correlation was found between BMI and screen time (R = 0.0508, p = 0.59). A moderate positive correlation was observed between BMI and post-9 pm awake time (R = 0.5938, p < 0.00001), more pronounced in males (R = 0.7075) than in females (R = 0.4807). Gender-wise differences in screen time were significant (p = 0.009). Conclusion: Screen time showed no significant association with BMI. Late-night wakefulness demonstrated moderate correlation with increased BMI. Addressing sleep hygiene may be critical in health promotion strategies among medical students.