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Longitudinal changes in anthropometry and body composition in university freshmen.
Katie C Hootman1,2, Kristin A Guertin1,3, Patricia A Cassano1,4
1a Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University , Ithaca , NY , USA.
Journal of American College Health : J of ACH
|January 14, 2017
Summary
College freshmen commonly gain weight, reflecting increased body fat. Leaner body composition at the start of college predicts greater weight gain in both men and women during their first year.
Area of Science:
- Human Health and Nutrition
- Anthropometry and Body Composition
Background:
- Weight gain during the transition to college is a common phenomenon.
- Understanding the predictors of this weight gain is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictors of weight gain in college freshmen.
- To examine the relationship between baseline body composition and subsequent weight gain.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal cohort study followed 264 college freshmen from 2011 to 2012.
- Data collection included anthropometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), physical activity, and diet.
- Regression models were used to analyze predictors of 9-month weight gain.
Main Results:
- 75% of participants gained over 0.5 kg, with a mean weight change of +2.3 kg in men and +2.0 kg in women.
- Mean adiposity change was +1.3% in men and +0.7% in women.
- Leaner DXA-defined body composition at baseline was significantly associated with greater weight gain (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Freshman weight gain is prevalent and associated with increased adiposity.
- Baseline body composition is a key predictor of weight gain during the first year of college.
- Interventions targeting students with leaner body composition may be beneficial.
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