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ABSTRACT: B.M.I and I.Q, both, are locally and internationally on the rise. A link between the two is likely but which one is influencing the other still remains a mystery. To solve the mystery of correlation between Intelligence quotient (IQ) and Body Mass Index (BMI) and to ascertain whether I.Q has any significant measurable effect on B.M.I, this study is conducted among the students of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro. A structured questionnaire-based cross- sectional study was conducted on 120 students of Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, of both genders, aged between 18-25 years. IQ was recorded using a questionnaire comprising twenty questions, designed on the principle of internationally taken IQ tests; students were advised to solve the test within 10 minutes. For BMI calculation, height and weight measuring machine (RGZ-160) was used; height was measured in m2 and weight in kg. According to WHO classification of BMI, students were divided into four classes, i.e., class-1 (under weight, BMI <18), class-2 (normal weight, BMI 18-24) and class-3 (over weight BMI ≥25), class-4 (obese BMI ≥30). Data analysis was done on MS excel by applying students f-test. Students having average I.Q values of 5.09 and 5 belonged to class-1 (under weight), class-2 (normal weight) respectively, whereas students possessing an I.Q of 6.5 and 7 belonged to class-3 (over weight), class-4 (obese) respectively. IQ of class 3 and 4 students was found significantly higher (P = 0.01) than the class 1 and 2. Students having BMI values >25 had greater I.Q level. The findings can be associated to the life styles and habits of these people.
KEYWORDS: I.Q, Intelligence Quotient, B.M.I, Body Mass Index.
1 Introduction
Intelligence quotient, according to the oxford dictionary, is a number representing a person's reasoning ability (measured using problem-solving tests) as compared to the statistical norm or average for their age, taken as 100. While Body Mass Index (B.M.I), according to the same source, is an approximate measure of whether someone is over- or underweight, calculated by dividing their weight in kilograms by the square of their height in metres.
Their relationship, unlike their definitions, is not simple and easily understood. Conflicting beliefs exist about the relationship and a variation from place to place and time...