Body Composition Changes in College Athletes During Holiday Breaks

Changes in eating and physical activity during the winter holiday season are commonly associated with weight gain in the general population. Concerns around weight and fat gain are also relevant to collegiate athletes who are generally unable to access on-campus dining and exercise facilities during this time. These concerns were exaggerated in 2020 due to changes in the academic and sports calendar as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that lead to a holiday break that was 3 weeks longer than normal for many college athletes. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in Body Mass Index (BMI), Fat Mass Index (FMI) and Muscle Mass Index (MMI) among college athletes during an extended and usual holiday break.

Fat mass, muscle mass, and weight were measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis as part of routine care in college athletes within two weeks of leaving campus and return to campus during the extended winter break in 2020 (n = 124 athletes) and the usual winter break in 2021 (n = 64 athletes). Change values were calculated for each dependent variable. Differences between extended and normal winter breaks, male and female athletes, and a sex*break interaction were assessed using ANCOVA (BMI and FMI) and Kruskal-Wallis Test (MMI). All analyses were completed using SAS 9.4.

A significant sex*break interaction was observed for BMI and FMI. Male athletes gained BMI and FMI during the extended winter break compared to other sex*break conditions. No differences were found for change in MMI across conditions.

These results demonstrate potential differences in weight and fat mass changes between male and female athletes during an extended holiday break. Future research should investigate whether body composition changes occur during other breaks athletes experience (e.g., summer break) and determine how weight-impacting behaviors such as diet and physical activity differ when they are on campus versus at home. This research can help athletics staff implement strategies to best help athletes maintain optimal body composition and performance during breaks.