Study on BMI status of urban high school boys of Karnataka

Abstract

Introduction: Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of weight adjusted for height, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters (kg/m2). Although BMI is often considered an indicator of body fatness, it is a surrogate measure of body fat because it measures excess weight rather than excess fat. Despite this fact, studies have shown that BMI is correlated to more direct measures of body fat, such as underwater weighing and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. BMI is a simple, inexpensive, and noninvasive surrogate measure of body fat. In contrast to other methods, BMI relies solely on height and weight and with access to the proper equipment, individuals can have their BMI routinely measured and calculated with reasonable accuracy. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare BMI status of urban high school boys among various academic divisions of Karnataka state. Methodology: The purpose of the study was to compare BMI status of urban high school boys among various academic divisions of Karnataka state. The raw data pertaining to BMI status of urban high school boys from four academic divisions of Karnataka state were selected as subjects on random sampling technique. Totally 200 Subjects were selected, each 50 subjects from Gulbarga, Belgaum, Mysore and Bangalore academic division of Karnataka state. Subjects were selected between ages of 14 to 16 year. For assessing BMI status height and weight were selected as variables.Results: To achieve the purpose of the study data collected was subjected to statistical analysis. The collected data was treated with One-Way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) statistical technique to know the BMI status and compare among urban high school boys.Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study, the conclusions were drawn as there was a significant difference found in BMI status among urban high school boys between Gulbarga and Belgaum division, and Belgaum and Mysore division.