Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors in US College Students: A Pre-post Test Pilot Study

Purpose: Concerning rises in obesity and type 2 diabetes in college students warrants the investigation of potential mechanisms. The aim of this study was to (1) assess the association between Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) knowledge, perceived stress, and coping resources with changes in MetS risk factors in college students, and (2) examine differences between first-time on-campus and final-year college students. Methods: A pre-post study design over a 16-week semester examined changes in BMI and blood pressure of 43 undergraduate students (mean age 20.5 yrs. old, 86% female, 77% ethnic/racial minority). The MetS Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, and Coping Resources Inventory were administered at baseline. Mixed-effects linear regression and independent samples t-tests were computed. Results/findings: There were no significant associations between changes in MetS risk factors and MetS knowledge, perceived stress, and coping resources. Students on campus for the first time had higher increases in BMI and gained more weight compared to students in their final years of college (P < .05). Conclusions: Findings from this preliminary study suggest that students attending college for the first time demonstrate poorer MetS risk factors compared to peers. Additional studies are needed to explore the causal mechanism driving poor health outcomes in first time college students.