Changes in weight and health behaviors from freshman through senior year of college.
OBJECTIVE
To assess weight changes, exercise and diet behaviors among college students from the beginning of freshman year until the end of senior year.


METHODS
Longitudinal observational study.


METHODS
Private university in St. Louis, Missouri.


METHODS
College students (138 females, 66 males).


METHODS
Weight and height were measured, body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and exercise and dietary behaviors were assessed by questionnaire.


METHODS
Changes in weight, BMI, exercise, and dietary patterns from the beginning of freshman year to the end of senior year.


RESULTS
Females gained 1.7 +/- 4.5 kg (3.75 +/- 9.92 lb) [mean +/- SD] from freshman to senior year, and males gained 4.2 +/- 6.4 kg (9.26 +/- 14.11 lb) (both P < .001). Weight changes were highly variable between students, however, ranging from -13.2 kg to +20.9 kg (-29.10 to +46.08 lb).


CONCLUSIONS
Weight gain was common but variable among college students. Importantly, exercise and dietary patterns did not meet the recommended guidelines for many college students, which may have long-term health implications.
Racette
Susan B
SB
Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63108-2212, USA. racettes@wustl.edu
Deusinger
Susan S
SS
Strube
Michael J
MJ
Highstein
Gabrielle R
GR
Deusinger
Robert H
RH
D000293:Adolescent; D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004032:Diet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000502:physiology