Change in Eating Habits of College Students and Increased Weighted Discrepancy Score Calculated with the Body-Image Ideals Questionnaire

Abstract

Text: This study assessed the discrepancy between perceived and ideal body image versus its importance in college students (n 236), and identified eating habits, sources of nutrition information, and other factors that might significantly impact individual body image ideals. Methods included administration of the Body-Image Ideals Questionnaire (BIQ), demographics and questions regarding nutrition information sources, changes in weight and eating habits upon entering college, and measurements of body composition using bioelectrical impedance. Weighted discrepancy scores were calculated with the BIQ results. T-tests and ANOVAs identified significantly higher discrepancy scores based upon age, body type, television as a primary nutrition information source, and change in weight and five of eight eating habits upon entering college. A stepwise linear regression analysis explained 10% of the variance in weighted discrepancy scores by consumption of junk food, nutrition and diet information from television, binge eating habits, and weight increase upon entering college (p 0.0001). Results identify a need for nutrition education and skills interventions among undergraduate students to improve dietary habits and body image ideals.