ERIC Number: EJ786052
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 4
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1499-4046
EISSN: N/A
Changes in Weight and Health Behaviors from Freshman through Senior Year of College
Racette, Susan B.; Deusinger, Susan S.; Strube, Michael J.; Highstein, Gabrielle R.; Deusinger, Robert H.
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, v40 n1 p39-42 Jan-Feb 2008
Objective: To assess weight changes, exercise and diet behaviors among college students from the beginning of freshman year until the end of senior year. Design: Longitudinal observational study. Setting: Private university in St. Louis, Missouri. Participants: College students (138 females, 66 males). Main Outcome Measures: Weight and height were measured, body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and exercise and dietary behaviors were assessed by questionnaire. Analysis: Changes in weight, BMI, exercise, and dietary patterns from the beginning of freshman year to the end of senior year. Results: Females gained 1.7 [plus or minus] 4.5 kg (3.75 [plus or minus] 9.92 lb) [mean [plus or minus] SD] from freshman to senior year, and males gained 4.2 [plus or minus] 6.4 kg (9.26 [plus or minus] 14.11 lb) (both P [less than] 0.001). Weight changes were highly variable between students, however, ranging from -13.2 kg to +20.9 kg (-29.10 to +46.08 lb). Conclusions and Implications: Weight gain was common but variable among college students. Importantly, exercise and dietary patterns did not meet the recommended guidelines for many college students, which may have long-term health implications.
Descriptors: College Students, Body Composition, Private Colleges, Health Behavior, Scientific Concepts, Age Differences, Body Weight, Student Behavior, College Freshmen, College Seniors, Longitudinal Studies, Gender Differences, Body Height, Physical Activity Level, Questionnaires, Behavior Change
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Missouri
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A