Vol. 6, Issue 4, Part B (2020)

Methods: 80 medical and 80 paramedical students were assessed for BMI, CI and REE. BMI was calculated using the measurements of height and weight. Calorie intake was assessed with the help of modified food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and resting energy expenditure (REE) was obtained using indirect calorimetry.

Results: Mean ages of participants under the medical and paramedical groups were 19.9±2.11 and 19.72±1.46 years respectively. Age and height of the participants from both the groups were not significantly different, but a significant difference existed in weight of them. Participants from both the groups were falling under the normal category of BMI, but still a significant difference existed in the BMI of 2groups. Similarly, per day calorie intake of both groups was not significantly different, but there was a significant difference in resting energy expenditure (kcal/day) in both the groups.

Conclusion: Though the calorie intake was almost similar in the medical and paramedical students, BMI and REE were found to be higher in medical students than in paramedical students. Reason behind it may be that the medical students have a busier schedule or more of a sedentary lifestyle than the paramedical students.