Abstract
Background and Purpose: College freshmen gain weight at double the rate of same-age peers, and personal, interpersonal, and situational factors play a role in this phenomenon. The objectives of the study were to quantify weight change in first semester college students and to identify predictors of weight gain. Methods: In fall 2011, 76 unmarried freshmen, living in dormitories at a public, southwestern U.S. university, participated in the study. Heights and weights were measured at the beginning and end of the semester, and an on-line survey was administered at both times. Results: In the first semester of college, 43% gained clinically significant weight (> 3.5 pounds) and 15% gained more than 10 pounds. The group at highest risk was students with a normal BMI; 50% of this cohort gained clinically significant weight. Two variables predicted 12% of weight gain: a low level of health responsibility and a normal BMI. Conclusion: For college freshmen at highest risk of precipitous weight gain, health promotion strategies aimed at maximizing health responsibility is needed. Additionally, an integration of mediating influences related to the developmental stage of emerging adulthood, such as perceived social norms, positive peer influence and self-efficacy may result in improved long-term lifestyle practices.
Highlights
In the United States, obesity has become the most significant noninfectious health risk and is associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary, reproductive and metabolic morbidities
While previous studies have demonstrated that overweight and obese individuals are at risk for significant weight gain; this study demonstrated that those in the normal BMI category are at higher risk
College freshman were found to be at risk for clinically significant weight gain, with findings similar to previous research studies (Brown, 2008; Gillen & Lefkowitz, 2011; Lloyd-Richardson et al, 2009; Nelson et al, 2007; Racette et al, 2007; Vella-Zarb & Elgar, 2009)
Summary
In the United States, obesity has become the most significant noninfectious health risk and is associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary, reproductive and metabolic morbidities. According to the most recent National College Health Risk Behavior Survey (American College Health Association, 2016), based on self-reported height and weight, 23% of U.S college students were found to be overweight, and 16% were obese. College Weight Gain College admission doubles the risk of rapid weight gain for entering freshmen compared with same-age peers. Results: In the first semester of college, 43% gained clinically significant weight (> 3.5 pounds) and 15% gained more than 10 pounds. The group at highest risk was students with a normal BMI; 50% of this cohort gained clinically significant weight. Conclusion: For college freshmen at highest risk of precipitous weight gain, health promotion strategies aimed at maximizing health responsibility is needed. An integration of mediating influences related to the developmental stage of emerging adulthood, such as perceived social norms, positive peer influence and self-efficacy may result in improved long-term lifestyle practices
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