Stress refers to the body's response to overwhelming pressures that exceed one's capacity to manage various demands. Stress leads to several physiological disorders; therefore, this study investigates the effect of exam stress on plasma levels of Cortisol and Body Mass Index (BMI), among 40 medical students at AlWataniya Private University. These parameters were assessed 11 weeks prior to the final exams (Pre-exams) and on the day of exams (during exams). Cortisol was increased significantly during-exams compared to pre-exams period, which could potentially increase the risk of metabolic diseases. While BMI distribution was close in both periods, suggesting stress-BMI relationship may depend on individual tress coping mechanisms, and lifestyle of student.
Lahdo et al. (Sat,) studied this question.