Kaitlyn G Miller1, Jeffrey M Hartman2. 1. Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. 2. Department of Exercise Science, Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs, North Carolina, USA.
Abstract
Objective: To provide an analysis of weight change in response to physical activity levels among first year college students. Participants: First year students (N = 114) participated during the 2012-2013 academic year. Methods: Using a web-based survey, researchers gathered information on physical activity and weight at three points: twice throughout the fall and once at the end of the spring semesters. Results: Over half (56.25%) of respondents reported weight gain (between 0.45 and 13.61 kg) from baseline to 9-month follow-up. Weight gainers reported an average gain of 4.20 kg. More than half of participants were not meeting minimal recommendations for cardiorespiratory fitness (59.5%) and strength (53.2%) by the end of the first year of college. Conclusion: This research provides support for intervention and implementation of strategies to promote self-regulation in college students during the transition to college. Addressing the importance of physical activity in weight maintenance is beneficial to first year students' well-being.
Objective: To provide an analysis of weight change in response to physical activity levels among first year college students. Participants: First year students (N = 114) participated during the 2012-2013 academic year. Methods: Using a web-based survey, researchers gathered information on physical activity and weight at three points: twice throughout the fall and once at the end of the spring semesters. Results: Over half (56.25%) of respondents reported weight gain (between 0.45 and 13.61 kg) from baseline to 9-month follow-up. Weight gainers reported an average gain of 4.20 kg. More than half of participants were not meeting minimal recommendations for cardiorespiratory fitness (59.5%) and strength (53.2%) by the end of the first year of college. Conclusion: This research provides support for intervention and implementation of strategies to promote self-regulation in college students during the transition to college. Addressing the importance of physical activity in weight maintenance is beneficial to first year students' well-being.
Entities:
Keywords:
BMI; freshman; health education; physical activity; weight
Authors: Bruce W Bailey; Ciera L Bartholomew; Caleb Summerhays; Landon Deru; Sharla Compton; Larry A Tucker; James D LeCheminant; Joseph Hicks Journal: J Obes Date: 2019-12-01