Characterization of body weight and composition changes during the sophomore year of college

Holly R Hull,Jennifer L Han,Mary K Dinger,David A Fields,Michelle L Morrow

doi:10.1186/1472-6874-7-21

Abstract

BackgroundYears spent in college represents a critical time for obesity development though little information is known regarding how body weight and composition changes beyond the first year of college. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in body weight and composition and the factors influencing those changes among sophomore females.MethodsBody composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was obtained in participants beginning during their freshman year and continued through their sophomore year.ResultsNo difference was observed between sophomore year fall and spring visits for body weight (60.4 versus 60.6 kg) or fat mass (19.3 versus 18.7 kg). However, a significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease was observed for body fat (31.9 versus 30.9 %fat) and a significant increase was observed for fat-free mass (37.7 versus 38.4 kg). Participants living off campus significantly (P ≤ 0.05) declined in body fat (33.0 versus 31.0 %fat) and fat mass (19.4 versus 18.2 kg) and increased in fat-free mass (36.1 versus 37.2 kg) with no differences in those living on campus.ConclusionNo change in body weight was observed in females during their sophomore year. However, an increase in fat-free mass accompanied with a decrease in fat mass resulted in a decrease in body fat. Participants living off campus had favorable changes in their body composition by means of decreasing %fat and fat mass while increasing fat-free mass. Participants living on campus did not demonstrate these favorable changes.

Highlights

Years spent in college represents a critical time for obesity development though little information is known regarding how body weight and composition changes beyond the first year of college
When comparing the absolute change between the freshman and sophomore years, significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences were found for body weight, %fat, and fat mass (Table 3 and Figure 1)
The absolute change for body weight was smaller in the sophomore year versus the freshman year while %fat and total fat mass decreased during the sophomore year relative to increasing during the freshman year (Table 3)

Summary

Introduction

Years spent in college represents a critical time for obesity development though little information is known regarding how body weight and composition changes beyond the first year of college. Increases in obesity levels are commonly attributed to small prolonged increases in energy intake resulting in a gradual consistent yearly weight gain In young adults this has been estimated to be approximately 0.2 to 0.8 kg per year [12]. At this time, only two studies [5,10] have attempted to follow students beyond their first year of college to determine if weight gained during the freshman year is carried into and through the subsequent sophomore year. Only two studies [5,10] have attempted to follow students beyond their first year of college to determine if weight gained during the freshman year is carried into and through the subsequent sophomore year This population provides a unique opportunity for investigation so that critical time points of obesity development can be better understood

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