Objective: To explore the patterns and predictors of body mass index (BMI) change among undergraduate students from Ontario (Canada). Participants: 68 undergraduate students were followed longitudinally for 3 years with anthropometric data collected bi-annually. Methods: BMI measurements were plotted to generate individual BMI trajectory curves,…

Using the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (weighted population size = 35,460,209; 8-18 years old; 52.1% males), we compared the obesity prevalence in children and adolescents between body mass index-based (BMI-based) and total percent body fat-based (BF%-based, measured by the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) cutoffs.…

Objective: In the USA, few adolescents meet the national recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC). This study examined the associations between two perceived food parenting practice scales (Promote and Ensure FVC Intake) and adolescent FVC, and assessed whether these associations were mediated by adolescent self-efficacy. Design:…

Objective: Determine students' attitude toward menu labeling before and after menu labeling implementation at university dining facility. Participants: College students aged 18 years and older eating at campus dining facility. Methods: Survey on attitude toward menu labeling, weight management status, and athletic classification (NCAA,…

Objective: 'Drunkorexia' is characterized by compensating for alcohol-related calories using physical activity (PA). Drunkorexia is common on college campuses but little is known about the PA behaviors within the drunkorexia paradigm. Methods: First-year college students living on campus completed an online survey collecting drunkorexia, PA, and…

Special education provides an accessible route for children with intellectual disabilities (ID) to be evaluated and to access services. Understanding the factors that influence special education eligibility can provide valuable insight into the school evaluation and eligibility process. This study used structural equation modeling to examine the…

Objective: Examine differences in physical activity (PA) constraints experienced as freshmen among college upperclassmen based on sex, race/ethnicity, adiposity, and fitness. Participants and methods: Upperclassmen (n = 524) from self-reported demographics, PA, subjective changes in PA, and freshman PA constraints via an online survey, and had…

As student athletes exhibit unique alcohol use patterns based on being in- versus out-of-season and biological sex, we aimed to explore student athlete (N = 442) alcohol use, pregaming behaviors, and associated negative outcomes. Results suggest being out-of-season and male are positively associated with negative alcohol-related consequences, and…

Objective: To examine sex and racial/ethnic differences in sleep quality and the association between sleep quality and body weight status among US college students. Participants: A nationally representative sample (N = 324,767) of college students from 2011 to 2015. Methods: A secondary data analysis of cross-sectional data. Results: Women showed…

Introduction: The likelihood of a child participating in a clinical trial is mostly independent of the child's willingness to participate; children's lack of autonomy obliges parental involvement, which is concurrently conditional to parental understanding, trust and endorsement of the research study. Objectives: To identify potential predictors…

Background: In Spartanburg County, SC, nearly 33.7% of children are overweight or obese. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in eating behavior of youth by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. Methods: Students (N = 997) in 4th to 5th grades completed the School Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. School databases…

Background: Cardiometabolic risk factors are related to the early onset of chronic health conditions. Purpose: To identify factors associated with perceptions about the severity of three interrelated cardiometabolic risks (i.e., high blood pressure, obesity, and cardiovascular disease) among U.S. college students. Methods: Data were analyzed from…

Adolescents often practice unhealthy behaviors to lose weight or keep from gaining weight. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has conducted biennial Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) of various health risk behaviors since 1991 using U.S. representative samples of high school students and is therefore best for us to identify risk/preventive…

Background: Physical activity at schools is an important component in combatting childhood obesity. Studies have shown that physical activity at school is positively associated with academic outcomes. The purpose of this study is to examine associations between opportunity of physical activity time at school and academic outcomes. Methods: This…

Obesity among children in the USA is a growing epidemic that has received national attention (Puhl and Heuer 2010). Research suggests that children who are overweight are at increased risk for various health conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, cancer, and hypertension (Jelalian and Mehlenbeck 2003). In addition to risks to physical health,…