Change in diet, physical activity, and body weight in female college freshman

Am J Health Behav. 2004 Jan-Feb;28(1):24-32. doi: 10.5993/ajhb.28.1.3.

Abstract

Objective: To examine diet, physical activity, and body-weight changes associated with relocation from home to university.

Methods: Diet, fitness/physical activity, body-weight parameters and self-efficacy were assessed among 54 freshman women upon college entry and 5 months later.

Results: Although caloric intake significantly decreased, a significant increase occurred in body-weight parameters that may be attributed to significant decreases in total physical activity.

Conclusions: Interventions are needed aimed at increasing physical activity; improving diet quality related to consumption of vegetables, fruits, breads and pasta, and meats; and decreasing alcohol consumption.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Diet*
  • Energy Intake / physiology
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Life Change Events
  • Midwestern United States
  • Nutrition Assessment
  • Obesity / prevention & control
  • Self Efficacy
  • Students / psychology*
  • Students / statistics & numerical data*
  • Universities
  • Weight Gain*