The 'freshman 5': a meta-analysis of weight gain in the freshman year of college.
OBJECTIVE
(1) To use the available research to estimate the amount of weight gained by college freshman during their first year of college. (2) To identify potential predictors of freshman weight gain.


METHODS
A meta-analysis was conducted in November 2008. The analysis focused on articles published in English scientific journals between 1985 and 2008 available on the MEDLINE, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases and excluded studies of weight change over periods beyond freshman year.


RESULTS
Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Based on a pooled sample of 3,401 cases, mean weight gain was 3.86 (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 3.81-3.91) lbs. Potential contributors to gain were recent dieting, high baseline weight, and psychological stress.


CONCLUSIONS
The first year of college is a period of vulnerability for weight problems. Further research is needed to better understand freshman weight gain and devise appropriate prevention strategies based on predictors of gain.
Vella-Zarb
Rachel A
RA
Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. rachelvz@yorku.ca
Elgar
Frank J
FJ
D000367:Age Factors; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D011336:Probability; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities; D015430:Weight Gain; D055815:Young Adult