Weight loss behaviors and smoking in college students of diverse ethnicity

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate weight concerns, weight-loss practices (including smoking) in an ethnically diverse group of university students (58% Hispanic).

Methods: Students (n=1,852) completed a survey addressing lifestyle behaviors and weight-control practices.

Results: A greater percentage of females than males practiced weight-loss behaviors. More Hispanic and non-Hispanic white students reported dieting, exercising, and using weight loss pills to lose weight. Only 4 of the females reported their primary reason for smoking was to control their weight.

Conclusion: Gender as well as ethnicity was a dominant factor influencing weight-loss behaviors/concerns of these young adults.