The Influence Of Late Night Energy Intake On Weight Change In College Students

Abstract

College students are prone to weight gain and this may be related to eating habits. In particular, college students have a large energy intake at night and night eating is related to weight gain. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine if energy intake between 8:00pm and 4:00am influences weight change in college students. METHODS Two hundred twelve sedentary college students (males n = 128, females n = 84, age 19.0 ± 1.1 years) were recruited to participate in a 12 week feeding study. Energy intake was assessed by picture plate waste methods and 24-hour recall procedures that used food models and standardized, neutral probing questions. Nutrition Data System for Research was used for all dietary analysis. Dietary analysis was performed for foods and beverages consumed between 8:00pm and 4:00am. Body weight was assessed in a standard, one piece gown at baseline and at 12 weeks. RESULTS Weight change was not influenced by gender; therefore the data was analyzed collectively (p = 0.21). Mean daily energy intake was 2289.4 ± 541.5 kcal. Mean energy intake between 8:00pm and 4:00am was 483.4 ± 207.9 kcal. Over the 12 week period participants gained an average of 0.5 ± 2.6 kg. Total energy intake did not predict weight change over the 12 week period. However, energy consumed between 8:00pm and 4:00am did predict weight gain (p = 0.0009). Linear regression analysis demonstrated that every 100 kcal consumed between 8:00pm and 4:00am resulted in 0.11 kg of weight gain over the 12 week period. CONCLUSION Energy intake between 8:00pm and 4:00am influences weight gain in college students. Targeting strategies to decrease late night energy intake may be a potential intervention to decrease weight gain in college students. Supported by NIH Grant DK58385.