ASSESMENT OF ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BMI, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG STUDENTS OF GMC

Background: Physical activity as well as BMI has a great influence on academic performance. Increased BMI has negative impact on academic performance while physical activity has positive impact on academic performance. Objective: To study association between BMI, physical activity and academic performance. Methods: Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted at Gujranwala Medical College, Gujranwala form 1st May to 30th July, 2016. A sample of 85 students was taken by stratified random sampling. Students were interviewed through a pretested semi structured questionnaire. Results: 64(75.2%) students were found to have normal BMI. 9(10.6%) were underweight, 11(12.9%) were overweight, while 1(1.17%) were obese. 48(56.4%) exercised weekly for 50-100 minutes. Diet of 49 (57.6%) students contained high carbohydrates. Higher academic performance was associated with regular breakfast, higher consumption of fruits and greater physical activity. Out of 64 students having normal BMI, 16(25%) acquired grade A while 48 (39.06%) acquired grade B. whereas, among 11 overweight, only 3(3.5%) had grade A. Hence it is justified that BMI and academic performance are negatively associated. Conclusion: Increased BMI and low physical activity had negative impact on academic performance. Keywords: BMI, Physical activity, Academic performance