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. 2015;63(4):221-9.
doi: 10.1080/07448481.2015.1015022. Epub 2015 Feb 18.

Weight and weight-related behaviors among 2-year college students

Marilyn S Nanney, Leslie A Lytle, Kian Farbakhsh, Stacey G Moe, Jennifer A Linde, Jolynn K Gardner, Melissa N Laska

Weight and weight-related behaviors among 2-year college students

Marilyn S Nanney et al. J Am Coll Health. 2015.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES AND PARTICIPANTS: The purpose of this article is to describe weight indicators and weight-related behaviors of students enrolled in 2-year colleges, including sex differences.

Methods: During Fall 2011 and Spring 2012, 441 students from 3 Minnesota community colleges enrolled in the Choosing Healthy Options in College Environments and Settings (CHOICES) Study and completed baseline assessments. Participants completed a baseline survey evaluating eating and activity patterns, sleep, and stress and measures of height, weight, waist circumference, and body fat.

Results: Participants were primarily female (68%), white (73%), with a mean age of 22.8 years, and 66.2% reporting an annual income < $12,000. Almost half (47%) were overweight or obese. Young males appeared to engage the most in risky health behaviors and had higher levels of overweight or obesity, compared with young females.

Conclusions: Findings confirm the need for innovative interventions targeting this understudied and underserved young adult population.

Keywords: community college students; obesity-related; weight; young adults.

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