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.

DESIGN

Longitudinal observational study.

SETTING

Private university in St. Louis, Missouri.

PARTICIPANTS

College students (138 females, 66 males).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

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

ANALYSIS

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 AND IMPLICATIONS

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.