INFLUENCE OF BODY MASS INDEX ON CARDIOPULMONARY FITNESS IN COLLEGE GOING MALES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objective:This study aimed to compare cardiopulmonary fitness between healthy obese and non-obese male college students using key physiological markers such as VO max and MET scores.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 90 male students aged 18 25 years from various colleges in Jaipur. Participants were categorized into obese (BMI 25 kg/m) and non-obese (BMI 18.5 22.9 kg/m ) groups based on Asia-Pacific BMI criteria [2]. VO max and MET scores were measured using a bicycle ergometer and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) [3].

Results: Non-obese participants demonstrated significantly higher VO max and MET scores compared to their obese counterparts. A strong negative correlation (r -0.815) was found between BMI and both cardiopulmonary parameters.

Conclusion: Cardiopulmonary fitness is significantly reduced in obese college students, suggesting the urgent need for early lifestyle interventions and structured fitness programs [6].