Body Composition Changes Within the Freshman Year at a Private University

Abstract

Weight gained by first year college students may contribute to the obesity epidemic in the United States. Researchers have examined weight changes in freshmen but the results have been inconsistent. In order to develop interventions to prevent weight gain in this population, significant weight gain must be observed on a large number of campuses throughout the country to substantiate the “Freshman 15” weight gain observation. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine if students, attending their first year of college at a private university, experienced weight gain. This study examined differences in body composition, diet, and physical activity levels in college freshmen (body mass index, 24.1 ± 6.9 kg/m2, age, 18.3 ± 0.62 years) during their first year (30 weeks/two semesters) at the University of La Verne in Southern California. METHODS: Following informed consent, participants (N=10, n=4 males, n=6 females) reported to the Kinesiology Laboratory for baseline testing during the first week of their first semester and returned to repeat testing during the last week of their second semester (30 weeks post baseline). Testing included body composition measured with a bioelectrical impedance analysis scale (Tanita), the modified Kaiser Physical Fitness Survey (KPAS), and a 3-day dietary recall. A paired T-test was used to identify significant differences (p < 0.05) between pre- and post-testing sessions. RESULTS: Significant increases for body mass (4.7%), BMI (4.8%), fat mass (20.2%), fat free mass (3.4%) and caloric intake (19.22%) were found in this sample. Body mass (70.4 ± 28.6 to 73.7 ± 31.1 kg), BMI (24.7 ± 7.9 to 25.8 ± 8.4), fat mass (15.2 ± 12.1 to 18.3 ± 15.9 kg), fat free mass (53.6 ± 15.7 to 55.4 ± 17.8 kg), and caloric intake (1862.8 ± 570.5 kcal to 2130.2 ± 651.9 kcal) all increased post 30 weeks while no differences were found in physical activity levels (KPAS). CONCLUSIONS: Body composition and caloric intake increased significantly during the first year of college at a private university whereas physical activity levels did not change. The significant increases in body composition may increase the first year college students risk for obesity. Future studies assessing body composition in college freshman are needed in order to aid in the prevention of the obesity epidemic in the United States.