Body composition changes during the first two years of university.
OBJECTIVE
Changes in body weight, composition, and shape were investigated in male and female college students between the freshman and sophomore years.


METHODS
Changes in weight, body mass index (BMI), percent and absolute body fat and fat-free mass (via bioelectrical impedance), and waist circumference (via body scans) were assessed over the freshman and sophomore years (2007-2009) among 120 students attending a Southern public university.


RESULTS
Weight (2.5 and 1.7 lbs) and BMI gains (0.3 and 0.3 kg/m(2)) did not significantly differ between the freshman and sophomore years, respectively. Significantly more percent body fat and fat mass were gained during the freshman (1.9% and 3.3 lbs, respectively) than the sophomore year (0.0% and 0.6 lbs, respectively). Females lost significantly more fat-free mass during the freshman (-0.8 lb) than during the sophomore year (1.0 lb). Changes in waist circumference and weight were significantly correlated. Increases in the percentages of females classified as overweight and with unhealthy body fat amounts and waist circumferences were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
While the sophomore year was characterized by slightly healthier body composition changes than the freshman year, the gains in weight, fat mass, and waist circumference measurements suggest increased health risks for many college females.
Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Hospitality Management, 101 Poultry Science Bldg., Auburn University, AL 36849, USA. groppss@auburn.edu
Sareen S
SS
Gropper
Anna
A
Newton
Paul
P
Harrington
Karla P
KP
Simmons
Lenda Jo
LJ
Connell
Pamela
P
Ulrich
D000293:Adolescent; D000886:Anthropometry; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013334:Students; D014495:Universities; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult