A STUDY TO DETERMINE THE IMPACT OF A COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM ON OBESITY-ASSOCIATED METABOLIC RISK FACTORS AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS IN SELECTED COLLEGES OF BHOPAL, MADHYA PRADESH

Abstract

Background: Obesity among young adults is increasingly associated with metabolic risk factors such as hypertension, impaired glucose regulation, and central adiposity. College students are particularly vulnerable due to sedentary lifestyles, irregular dietary habits, and academic stress. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of a comprehensive health promotion program on obesity-associated metabolic risk factors among college students in selected colleges of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design was used. A total of 70 college students (39 males and 31 females) were selected using purposive sampling. Baseline assessment included Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose levels. A 12-week comprehensive health promotion intervention consisting of nutrition education, structured physical activity, lifestyle counseling, and behavioral modification strategies was implemented. Post-test measurements were conducted after completion of the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Significant reductions were observed in mean BMI, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose levels after the intervention (p < 0.05). The program demonstrated overall effectiveness in improving metabolic risk profiles among participants. Conclusion: The comprehensive health promotion program significantly reduced obesity-associated metabolic risk factors among college students. Structured institutional interventions can play a critical role in preventing long-term metabolic disorders in young adults.