Differences in dietary patterns among college students according to body mass index

The authors surveyed 557 undergraduate students aged 18-56 years to assess weight status, health behaviors, and dietary variety.

They used body mass index (BMI) to divide students into 4 weight categories: underweight (BMI < 19 kg/m2), healthy weight (19 kg/m2 to 24.99 kg/m2), over-weight (25 kg/m2 to 29.99 kg/m2), and obese (> 30 kg/m2).

Approximately 33% of respondents were overweight or obese, and 8% were underweight. Among the weight categories, the authors observed significant differences in diet (eg, cheese, pork, lamb, veal and game, fish, green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, and the cumulative total of all meats). Overall, 33% of the students consumed 1 fruit in 3 days. The authors found no differences among the weight categories related to eating fatty, sugary snacks.

College administrators should create health promotion and skill-building programs to improve students' diet variety.