Japanese Female University Students Research Articles

Autistic Spectrum Disorder Tendencies and Social Adjustment in Japanese Female University Students

This study aimed to examine the causal relationship between Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) tendencies and social adjustment in Japanese female university students from the perspective of a sense of Ibasho, particularly a sense of being accepted by others. Following the data collected from 121 female university students, a model based on the study hypothesis was constructed, and the validity was investigated by employing structural equation modeling. The results of the analysis revealed that while ASD tendencies decreased social adjustment directly, a sense of Ibasho buffered the negative causal effects of these tendencies.

Developing a basic pattern for a design based on the comparison of four basic pattern approaches

PurposeThe authors investigate the effects of four basic bodice pattern shapes and developing methods on the appearances of ladies' fitted bodice design. The authors also clarify the preferred appearance among the four ladies' fitted bodice design as reported by Japanese university students and propose a pattern developing method of the preferred bodice design using the four basic bodices.Design/methodology/approachTargeting a ladies' fitted bodice design with designated dimensions, four ladies' fitted bodices were manufactured using four types of basic bodice pattern and their development methods: BUNKA from Japan, ESMOD from France, ARMSTRONG from the United States, and ALDRICH from the United Kingdom. The appearances of the four fitted bodices were observed and explained in terms of ease and darts. The authors also conducted a sensory test regarding the preferred shirt appearance adopting a semantical difference method, for 15 female Japanese university students in their twenties. The authors propose a pattern developing method to design the preferred fitted bodice shape using different basic bodices considering the amount and allocation of ease and size and allocation of darts to front and back of the bodice.FindingsThe appearances of the bodices were different even for the same fitted bodice design depending on the type of basic bodice pattern and its developing method. BUNKA had a slightly constricted silhouette at the waist and ESMOD had a straight silhouette and less constriction. ARMSTRONG had the most constricted silhouette and rounded hips and ALDRICH had a slightly constricted curve from the bust to the hips. The shape differences were strongly related to the amount of ease and the difference in waist darts between front and back of the bodice. The Japanese participants preferred fitted bodices that have a constricted silhouette from front and back views. From the side view, a straight line at the front and a constricted shape and emphasized hip at the back silhouette were preferred. By adjusting the allocations of ease and waist darts to front and back of the bodice, it was possible to design the preferred fitted bodice shape even with different basic pattern.Originality/valueIt was found that the basic bodice pattern and developing method affect the final clothing. It is necessary to adjust the allocation of ease and darts to front and back of the bodice to construct clothing using different patternmaking methods. It was shown that it is more important to consider the patternmaking method than to select a suitable basic bodice pattern. It is necessary to understand the characteristics of allocation and amount of ease and the allocation and size of waist darts in both the basic patternmaking method and developing method. This approach is also useful in making an article of clothing with a shape required in other countries.

Association between menstrual pain and functional dyspepsia in a Japanese young population.

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a very common disease worldwide. Dysmenorrhea impairs quality of life among females of reproductive age. Although dysmenorrhea is associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), no study has yet evaluated the association between dysmenorrhea and FD. This study's subjects consisted of 4693 female Japanese university students. We defined FD according to the Rome III criteria. Subjects completed a self-reported questionnaire regarding menstrual irregularity, menstrual pain, and medication for menstrual pain. Age, body mass index, drinking, smoking, exercise habit, anemia, and first-year student status were selected as potential confounding factors. The prevalence of FD, epigastric pain syndrome (EPS), and postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) was 2.5%, 0.6%, and 2.1%, respectively. Heavy menstrual pain was independently positively associated with FD and PDS but not EPS (adjusted ORs: FD, 3.18 [95% CI: 1.60-6.89] and PDS, 2.93 [95% CI: 1.56-7.93] for heavy menstrual pain, p for trend=0.001 and 0.004, respectively). Using medication for menstrual pain often was independently positively associated with FD, EPS, and PDS, respectively, (adjusted ORs: FD, 2.41 [95% CI: 1.50-3.83], EPS, 2.93 [95% CI: 1.04-7.93], PDS, 2.44 [95% CI: 1.46-4.01]). Irregular menstrual cycle was not associated with FD or with subtype of FD. Among the young female Japanese population, menstrual pain might be independently positively associated with FD and PDS but not EPS. The use of medication for menstrual pain might be independently positively associated with FD including subtype of FD.

The CLOCK 3111T/C polymorphism is associated with hour-by-hour physical activity levels only on weekends among Japanese male and female university students

Background: CLOCK 3111T/C has been shown to be closely associated with morningness-eveningness, such as sleep-wake rhythms in healthy humans. However, previous studies examined the physical activity (PA) in a single day, and no study has investigated the relationships between CLOCK 3111T/C polymorphism and PA for an entire week. It was hypothesized that the CLOCK 3111T/C polymorphism might be associated with diurnal PA patterns, especially on the weekends. Methods: Eighty-one university students (male, n = 14; female, n = 67; age, 20.4 ± 2.9 years) wore a digital accelerometer for 7 successive days, including the weekend, to collect hour-by-hour objectively-measured PA. CLOCK 3111T/C polymorphism was assessed using the oral mucosa. During the study, participants recorded their wake time and bedtime each day. Furthermore, lifestyle-related variables (i.e. morningness–eveningness, habitual meal and sleep timings) were collected using questionnaires. Linear mixed-effects models assessed the association of polymorphism (TT carriers vs. TC+CC carriers) with wake time and bedtime as well as daily PA throughout the week (time). Results: TT carriers had an earlier wake time (weekly mean: 44 min [95% CI, −82 to −5 min], time interaction: p = 0.026) and bedtime (weekly mean: 30 min [95% CI, −61 min to − 15 s], time interaction: p = 0.048) than TC+CC carriers. Furthermore, TT carriers’ wake time and bedtime on Saturday were significantly later than on other days (gene interaction: all p < 0.05). On Saturday, the hour-by-hour PA in TT carriers was significantly greater than that in TC+CC carriers (hourly mean 1.7 min [95% CI, 0.2 to 3.4 min], time: p < 0.001, group: p = 0.028, interaction: p = 0.155). Conclusions: CLOCK 3111T/C polymorphism may be associated with objectively measured hour-by-hour PA only on Saturday. Academic/social obligations may mask the genetically determined biological rhythm of PA on weekdays.

The Association between Physical Activity and Body Awareness: Cross-Sectional Study of Japanese Female University Students*

A cross-sectional evaluation of the association between total physical activity and Body Awareness was performed. The subjects were 361 Japanese female university students. The IPAQ- SV was used to assess the amount of physical activity, and Fujino’s Body Awareness Scale was used to assess Actual Body Feeling, Awareness of Bodily Feeling, Awareness when Standing and Walking, and Bodily Distress. Total Body Awareness was defined as the sum of the above three except for Bodily Distress. The data were adjusted for age and body fat and the association between physical activity and Body Awareness was examined using analysis of covariance. The results revealed positive associations between physical activity and Total Body Awareness (P for trend=0.001). In terms of intensity, there were positive associations between Total Body Awareness, moderate-intensity physical activity (P for trend=0.041) and vigorous-intensity physical activity (P for trend=0.001). These results suggest that there is a positive association between physical activity and Body Awareness among Japanese female university students, especially for vigorous-intensity physical activity.

The association between physical activity and Body Awareness:

A cross-sectional evaluation of the association between total physical activity and body awareness was performed. The subjects were 361 Japanese female university students. The IPAQ-SV was used to assess the amount of physical activity, and Fujino's Body Awareness Scale was used to assess Actual Body Feeling, Awareness of Bodily Feeling, Awareness when Standing and Walking, and Bodily Distress. Total Body Awareness was defined as the sum of the above 3 except for Bodily Distress. The data were adjusted for age and body fat, and the association between physical activity and Body Awareness was examined using analysis of covariance. The results revealed positive associations between physical activity and total Body Awareness (P for trend=0.001). In terms of intensity, there were positive associations between total Body Awareness, moderate-intensity physical activity (P for trend=0.041), and vigorous-intensity physical activity (P for trend=0.001). These results suggest that there is a positive association between physical activity and Body Awareness among Japanese female university students, especially for vigorous-intensity physical activity.

Battling With Books: The Gamification of an EFL Extensive Reading Class

Background Extensive reading (ER) classes have become a popular way to promote reading in EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classrooms because ER supports the idea of reading for pleasure. However, reading in the classroom can still become stale if students have little chance to reflect on what they have read or if they become burdened by the reading requirements. Aim In an attempt to create a more energetic ER classroom, we converted the classroom into a game-based environment with the aim of promoting L2 reading enjoyment and motivating students to read in a more focused manner . Method As for specifics, 55 female Japanese university students—divided into two groups based upon English proficiency—participated in a social book reading game called Bibliobattle whereby students discussed their favorite books in small groups. Three iterations of the game were incorporated into the ER classroom as a way to enliven reading activities. Results The game proved largely successful. From the data obtained in the debriefing questionnaires, students mentioned that they were motivated by the activities through reflection on their book’s content and through the sharing of specific details about what they had read with their peers. Although both groups of students indicated their motivation to play the game, this was especially true for the lower level readers—a group that had demonstrated more apathy towards ER in the past. Based upon our experiences while running the game, we recommend that Bibliobattles be implemented as specialized events in the ER classroom as a means to help stimulate a love for reading in a second language; however, it should also be noted that student preparation for such battles is time-consuming, so the number of battles per semester should be limited to a maximum of two per semester.

Telomere length and urinary 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine and essential trace element concentrations in female Japanese university students

Telomere length is thought to be a biomarker of biological aging. This study examined whether telomere length was associated with urinary concentrations of 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a biomarker of oxidative stress, and antioxidative trace elements in 73 female Japanese university students (age: 19.2 ± 0.7 years). We quantified 8-OHdG and selenium in urine by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, respectively. Telomere length and urinary concentrations of other essential trace elements (molybdenum, cobalt, and chromium) that were previously measured in the same study participants, were used in this study. We used multiple linear regression analysis to examine the associations of telomere length with urinary 8-OHdG and essential trace element concentrations (covariates: urinary cotinine concentration, age, BMI, and drinking status). The geometric means (geometric standard deviation) of 8-OHdG and selenium were 3.4 (1.5) and 31 (1.3) µg/g creatinine, respectively. Telomere length was not associated with urinary 8-OHdG concentration, but was negatively associated with urinary selenium concentration. In conclusion, telomere length was not associated with urinary 8-OHdG concentration in the young women in this study. Longitudinal studies should be conducted to clarify the association between telomere shortening rate and oxidative stress level.

Stress Condition on a Restricted Sodium Diet Using Umami Substance (L-Glutamate) in a Pilot Randomized Cross-Over Study.

Hypertensive patients who adopt a sodium-restricted diet have difficulty maintaining this change, and this could increase stress. On the other hand, soup rich in umami substances (dashi) was reported to reduce indexes of anxiety and stress. The objective of this study was to measure mood and physiological stress indexes during administration of a sodium-restricted diet with and without an umami substance (free L-glutamate) by a cross-over randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial in Japanese female university students. The baseline was measured for 5 days followed by a sodium-restricted diet intervention phase that lasted for 10 days. The Profile of Mood States questionnaire was administered, a stress marker in saliva (chromogranin-A) was measured, and the amount of sodium intake was confirmed from 24 h urine collection samples. Results showed that the sodium reduction was verified by 24 h urine excretion. The percentage of change in the stress marker from the baseline showed that the stress level in group without the umami substance was significantly higher than that in the group with the umami substance (p = 0.013) after receiving a sodium-reduced diet for 6 or more days, indicating that stress was alleviated. This study suggested that umami substances might help to ameliorate stress during a sodium-reduced diet, especially in the initial phase.

Effects of forest-derived visual, auditory, and combined stimuli

This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of forest-derived visual, auditory, and combined stimulation on brain activity, autonomic nervous system activity, and subjective spatial impressions. The participants included 20 Japanese female university students (age 22.1 ± 1.8 years). Each participant viewed a gray image for 60 s with no sound (rest period), followed by an image of a forest scene with no sound (visual stimulation), a gray image with forest sounds (auditory stimulation), an image of a forest scene with forest sounds (combined stimulation), and a gray image with no sound (control) for 90 s. As indicators, near-infrared spectroscopy, heart rate variability measurement, heart rate monitoring, and modified semantic differential method were used. Compared to the control condition, combined stimulation significantly decreased oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) concentrations in both prefrontal cortices and increased parasympathetic nervous activity, reflecting a relaxed state; visual and auditory stimulation significantly decreased the oxy-Hb concentration in the right prefrontal cortex; and “comfortable,” “relaxed,” “natural,” and “realistic” feelings increased significantly for all stimulations. In conclusion, forest-derived visual, auditory, and combined stimuli induced physiologically and psychologically relaxing effects, and physiological relaxation was more pronounced under combined stimulus.

불만표명행위의 상호작용에 대한 한중일 대조연구 -부담도의 차이를 중심으로-

In this study, similarities and differences of linguistic strategies used by Korean, Chinese and Japanese male and female college students in situations involving different levels of imposition, one with a high degree of imposition and the other with a low degree, are analyzed and discussed quantitatively with special attention given to the interactions of complaint expressing acts.<BR> Firstly, male and female college students in Korea, China and Japan show a common tendency to use an expression of apology, explanation of reason, confirmation of situation, admission of responsibility, self-justification, presence of compensation, and soothing speech more frequently than other linguistic strategies when they are a complainant in situations with a lower degree of imposition. Further, the complainants tend to use the confirmation of situation, direct and indirect expression of complaint, active improvement request and concession speech more often than other linguistic strategies in common.<BR> Next, the complainants tend to use in common an expression of apology, explanation of reason, confirmation of situation, admission of responsibility, evasion of responsibility, self-improvement, self-justification, presence of alternative, presence of compensation, and soothing speech more frequently than other linguistic strategies in situations with a higher degree of imposition. In addition, the complainants exhibit a common trend of using confirmation of situation, direct and indirect expression of complaint, active improvement request and concession speech more often than other linguistic strategies.

The mediating effect of cognitive appraisal on the relationship between sleep habits and the stress response among Japanese female college students

BackgroundUndergraduate students tend to develop “evening-type” sleep patterns. Recent research has reported that evening-type and irregular sleep habits are related to physical and mental stress responses, particularly in female students. Although the connection between sleep habits and the stress response has been well documented, the mechanism behind this relationship is currently unknown. Using the transactional model as a framework and female students as our target population, we examined whether sleep habits predict the stress response through the mediation of cognitive appraisals of one’s own sleep habits.MethodsThree hundred twenty-one Japanese female college students participated in this study. Participants completed measures of their sleep habits (sleep patterns and sleep irregularity), cognitive appraisals of their sleep habits (including four subscales: commitment, appraisal of influence, appraisal of threat, and controllability), stress responses (depression and anxiety), and control factors. The reliability and validity of the scales used in this study, except for sleep pattern and sleep irregularity, were confirmed in previous studies.ResultsMultiple-mediation-model analysis indicated that commitment mediates the relationship between sleep pattern and anxiety. Meanwhile, cognitive appraisals, as a whole, were found to have a mediating effect on the relationship between sleep irregularity and depression.ConclusionsOur study revealed that cognitive appraisals mediated the relationship between sleep habits and the stress response. The findings also suggest that maintaining a low level of commitment might be effective for reducing anxiety, especially considering the difficulty associated with changing lifestyles. The findings of the present study should be useful for health education related to lifestyle.

A Rumination-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Self-Help Program to Reduce Depressive Rumination in High-Ruminating Japanese Female University Students: A Case Series Study

The present case series reports the preliminary test of a rumination-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (RFCBT) self-help program to reduce depressive rumination among Japanese female undergraduates. A workbook-type self-help program based on RFCBT was implemented with 39 participants showing a high tendency toward rumination/worry. Data from 30 participants who completed one or more modules were analyzed quantitatively. The results showed significant reductions of rumination, worry, and anxiety at post-intervention. Further, semistructured interviews were conducted with 13 participants who completed the program, and verbatim data were examined using content analysis. The contents found to be useful and difficult differed for each participant and each module. Based on these results, the future implementation and dissemination of RFCBT is discussed.

Association between nutrient intake and telomere length in Japanese female university students

Objective Telomere length can be a biomarker of cumulative oxidative stress and inflammation indicating biological aging. Previous studies examined association of nutrient intake with telomere length targeting middle-aged and elderly individuals. This study examined whether dietary macro- and micronutrient intake was associated with telomere length in young females. Methods Seventy-four Japanese young females (median (interquartile range) age was 19 (19 − 20) years) participated. We estimated their intake of nutrients (energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, essential elements, vitamins, fatty acids, and dietary fibre) using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and measured telomere length (T/S ratio, the ratio of telomere repeat copy number (T) to single-copy gene number (S)) of DNA extracted from blood by qPCR. The association between telomere length and tertiles of nutrient intake were analysed. Results The median (interquartile range) of telomere length was 0.70 (0.52 − 0.98). Vitamin A intake was positively associated with telomere length (tertile 1 vs. 2, coefficient [95% confidence interval] = 0.42 [0.12, 0.71]; tertile 1 vs. 3, coefficient [95% confidence interval] = 0.33 [0.04, 0.62]) after adjusting for covariates (age, BMI, passive smoking, and drinking). Conclusions Our findings suggest that variation in vitamin A intake might influence telomere attrition in healthy individuals.

Skin Characteristics of Sites Predisposed to Pressure Ulcers among Bedridden Elderly Patients in Japan

Background: Previous studies have not specifically measured skin characteristics at common sites of pressure ulcers in high-risk elderly patients. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the physiological skin characteristics at common pressure ulcer sites and their relationship with pressure ulcer risk and demographic/laboratory data in bedridden elderly Japanese patients. Methods: This study involved 55 elderly Japanese patients in a long-term care hospital and 25 female Japanese university students. Skin surface temperature, epidermal water content, transepidermal water loss, skin erythema/redness, skin elasticity, and skin thickness were measured using noninvasive devices. The sacral and both heel areas (sites predisposed to pressure ulcers) and mid-to-lower back area (control site) were observed. Results: Elderly patients showed a low epidermal water content at both heels (right heel, 14.8 ± 9.1 arbitrary units, AU.; left heel, 14.4 ± 8.3 AU). Transepidermal water loss remained acceptable at all sites in older patients despite the presence of dry skin (back, 7.1 ± 1.8 g/hm2; sacrum, 7.4 ± 3.0 g/hm2; right heel, 17.7 ± 7.1 g/hm2; left heel, 19.4 ± 8.1 g/hm2). Back (0.61 ± 0.13 AU) and sacral (0.67 ± 0.11 AU) skin elasticity and sacral skin thickness (0.97 ± 0.56 cm) were significantly lower than those of healthy young people (0.86 ± 0.04 AU, 0.87 ± 0.05 AU, and 2.27 ± 0.84 cm, respectively; p p p < 0.001) in older patients. Conclusions: Our findings showed that skin thickness and elasticity should be prioritized when evaluating pressure ulcer risk at the sacral region in bedridden elderly Japanese patients. Moreover, skin moisturization should be considered to minimize the risk at the heels in such patients.

The Relationship between Locomotive Syndrome Risk, Gait Pattern, and Standing Posture in Young Japanese Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Young people are also at risk of developing locomotive syndrome for unclear reasons. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the locomotive syndrome risk in young Japanese women and the relationship between standing posture and gait patterns. We used survey materials for physical measurements, locomotive syndrome risk tests, normal and maximum walking test, a standing posture test, and physical activity measures. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted with 100 Japanese female university students. The participants were divided into two groups (high-risk and low-risk groups) based on locomotive syndrome risk tests. The high-risk group accounted for 65.0% of the total participants. The high-risk group had a significantly slower walking speed and lower walking stride length than the low-risk group during maximum walking. Additionally, this high-risk group had a more prone posture than the low-risk group. Furthermore, the low-risk group included more individuals who belonged to middle and high school athletic clubs than the high-risk group. The locomotive syndrome risk was related to the walking pattern, standing posture, and past exercise habits. Therefore, long stride length, correct standing posture, and exercise habits acquired from a young age are important measures for preventing locomotive syndrome in young adults.

Do Female University Students who Follow a Plant-based Dietary Pattern Have a Healthy Dietary Intake? Adapting Plant-based Dietary Indices for Japanese Female University Students

【目的】植物性食品を中心とした食事パターンに関する研究の基礎資料とするために，先行研究で開発された「植物性食品指数」をわが国の女子大学生の食事調査データに適用し，各指数と栄養素等摂取量・Body Mass Index（BMI）との関連を示すことを目的とした。

Characteristics of Mother-Daughter Relationships and Sexual Risk-Coping Consciousness among Japanese Female University Students.

For heterosexual Japanese women in their early 20s, it is important to maintain good sexual health, develop intimate relationships with a partner, and go through the process of having a family. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of mother-daughter relationships among Japanese female university students and their associations with students’ sexual risk-coping consciousness. We conducted a cross-sectional study using anonymous self-administered questionnaires. Participants were 329 female university students in their junior and senior years. The mother-daughter relationships of the study respondents were divided into the following three clusters: controlled group, close group, and independent group. The close and independent groups often consulted their mothers about sexual matters and, also, tended to be highly capable of actively expressing their opinions and cooperating with their partner in a sexual setting. In contrast, the controlled group revealed a significantly lower percentages of consulting their mothers on sexual matters and scored lower sexual risk-coping consciousness subscale scores. The controlled group may suffer a negative impact of the relationship with their controlling mothers as they try to build a good, trusting relationship with others. The characteristics of mother-daughter relationships may be associated with daughters’ sexual risk-coping consciousness.

Physiological Effects of Visual Stimulation Using Knotty and Clear Wood Images among Young Women

Wood is a sustainable and natural material used in interior design for living environment. Knots are prominent features on wood surfaces, and they affect a user’s building preference and impression. Data on the effects of wood knots on human physiological responses are limited. Hence, further studies should be conducted. This study examined the effects of interior wall images comprising knotty or clear wood on physiological responses. Computer graphics were used to prepare wall images of knotty or clear lumber. A gray image was set as the control. In total, 28 adult Japanese female university students were included in this study. They observed two types of wood interior wall images for 90 s. The control was also set for 90 s. The oxyhemoglobin level in the prefrontal cortex measured by near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy (TRS) and the activities of parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves assessed using the heart rate variability (HRV) were utilized as physiological indexes. TRS sensors, which emit and receive near-infrared light, were attached to frontal pole (Fp) 1 and Fp2, based on the international 10–20 method. R-R interval was measured using HRV sensors attached based on the three-point guidance method, and frequency data were analyzed to assess high frequency (HF), which reflects parasympathetic nervous system activity, and the ratio of high and low frequencies (LF/HF), which reflects sympathetic nervous system activity. The knotty wood sedated the right prefrontal cortex activity compared with the control and enhanced parasympathetic nerve activity compared with before stimulation. Clear wood sedated the left prefrontal cortex activity compared with the control and suppressed sympathetic nerve activity compared with before stimulation. Subjective evaluations revealed that compared with gray wall images, both knotty and clear wood images significantly promoted comfort, relaxation, and natural feeling and improved overall mood states. In addition, clear wood image had a more positive subjective effect than knotty image. Wall images comprising knotty or clear wood, when used as a visual stimulus, have a physiological relaxation effect among adult women in their 20s.

Changes in Season Affect Body Weight, Physical Activity, Food Intake, and Sleep in Female College Students: A Preliminary Study.

The current study examined how body weight and lifestyle fluctuate between spring, autumn, and winter in Japanese female college students and whether weight gain is associated with changes in physical activity, food intake, and sleep. We measured body weight and lifestyle factors in 31 participants from May 2017 to January 2018. Weight was measured daily in participants’ homes. Physical activity and sleep were measured for three weeks in three seasons using two accelerometers. Food intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Body weight significantly decreased in autumn compared with spring (p < 0.001). Body weight in winter tended to increase compared with autumn (p = 0.052). Step counts and energy intake were significantly different between seasons (p < 0.05). Total time in bed was not significantly different between seasons. In comparisons of changes in lifestyle patterns from autumn to winter between the weight gain (≥0.5 kg) and weight maintenance groups, seasonal changes in lifestyle factors were not significantly different between groups (p > 0.05). The results indicated that body weight and lifestyle were affected by seasonal variability in female college students, but no significant relationships existed between seasonal weight gain and changes in lifestyle patterns.