The Benefits of a Weight Loss Contest in Overweight and Obese College Students

Abstract

PURPOSE: Campus-based health promotion programs, including healthy eating and physical activity, may be important in developing long-term healthy habits during and after college, and may reduce the incidence of overweight and obesity in young adults. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a weight loss contest would be an effective way to promote beneficial changes in body composition in overweight and obese college students. METHODS: Students were invited to participate in a semester-long weight loss contest at the campus Recreation Center. Monthly "weigh-ins" included weight, percent fat, and circumference measurements. Participants were also offered a variety of short seminars focusing on nutrition and exercise, as well as individualized and group exercise instruction. Participants were awarded points for reductions in weight, percent fat, and circumference measurements and for attendance at seminars and exercise sessions. The individuals with the top three point totals at the end of the contest were given gift certificates. After the contest was completed, the authors received approval from the University IRB to analyze the data that was collected by Recreation Center staff. Data are presented as the means+SEM. RESULTS: Thirty-nine participants (26 women, 13 men, 19-35 yr) registered for the contest. Forty-one percent (12 women and four men, 22+1 yr) attended four (n=six) or five (n=10) weigh-ins, while the remaining participants (14 women and nine men, 21+1 yr) attended three (n=seven), two (n=five), or one weigh-in (n=11) between February and May. Those who attended four or five weigh-ins significantly reduced body weight, percent fat, and waist circumference over the semester-long contest, and attended more seminars and exercise sessions than those who attended less than four weigh-ins. Percent change in weight was significantly associated with seminar (r=-0.39) and exercise sessions attended (r=−0.41). CONCLUSION: Campus-based weight loss contests can be an effective way to promote weight loss in some individuals, although additional studies are needed to determine what factors increase adherence and whether such programs promote longterm changes in physical activity and diet.