Diet, Physical Activity, And Lifestyle Factors That Influence Weight Change The First Year Of College

Abstract

First year college students are at an increased risk for weight gain, which could
have an effect on the future obesity status in America. Several studies indicate that
weight gain does occur the first year of college; however, little research actually studies
the population's behaviors prior to college. A literature review was conducted on several
factors that relate to the diet, physical activity, and lifestyle changes that students may
undergo as they transition from high school to college. It was hypothesized that a change
in these factors would be associated with student weight gain and an increased BMI the
first year of college. A quantitative approach was taken to examine the diet, physical
activity, and lifestyle changes that occurred during the transition from high school to
college and how the changes were related to a weight and BMI difference. A total of 199
freshmen students at a Midwestern university voluntarily participated in the study. Based
on the results, it was determined that fast food consumption, snack consumption, and
computer use were significant (p<0.05) for weight gain and an increased BMI. As fast
food consumption increased, snack consumption increased, and computer use increased,
weight gain and an increased BMI occurred. By noting such associations, preventive
strategies can be enforced to both reduce the rate of college weight gain, and furthermore
reduce the onset of American obesity.

Date of Award	2011
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Karla Kennedy-Hagan (Supervisor)