KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS AND PERCEPTION ON BMI AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS - A SURVEY

Body mass index, or BMI, is a measure of body size. It combines a person's weight with their height. The results of a BMI measurement can give an idea about whether a person has the correct weight for their height.BMI is a screening tool that can indicate whether a person is underweight or if they have a healthy weight, excess weight, orobesity. The height and weight of the participants determined by physical examination to find their original BMI was subjected to correlation analysis with their awareness on BMI and its importance estimated through an online questionnaire which comprised of twenty questions.The survey was conducted by the means of a digital platform: Survey Planet.The results obtained was thereby consolidated and graphical representation of the same was done. Results reflect high amount of awareness regarding basic knowledge about BMI.( Calculation, Normal Value and it's practical importance).They were well aware about the causes and consequences of obese and underweight conditions The study also recorded that more than 50% of the students were unaware about that BMI could not be used to distinguish if the weight is predominantly due to muscle or fat- thus is not confirmatory tool.Despite the high scale of awareness most of the students had abnormal BMI when tested. This could be attributed to several factors like stress, abnormal eating habits which if not monitored might lead to various health problems in future.The aim of this survey is to reinforce dietary requirements and lifestyle modifications to prevent serious health issues in future.