Year: 2015
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: The transition to the university is a vulnerable time period for weight gain.The media refers to this phenomenon as the "freshman 15," although actual gain is much more modest (~ 3.5 lb).Regardless, weight gain during the freshman year may lead to an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases.Little research has examined potential patterns or composition of weight change in freshmen, nor is there extensive data regarding predictors/moderators of this trend.Objective: The primary aims of this study were to identify critical time periods for weight change in university freshmen and to quantify change as lean versus fat mass.Secondary aims were: to investigate the accuracy of self-reported weight and height; to explore taste sensitivity as a potential predictor/moderator of this trend; and to determine the utility of using simple anthropometric indices (e.g., body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC)) in lieu of body composition assessment.Methods: Freshmen (n=236) underwent measurements for weight, height, WC, and body composition (% fat) five times during the year (arrival to campus; preholiday; post-holiday; pre-spring break; pre-finals).A subset of participants (n=30) rated the intensity of salty and sweet solutions.Results: Freshmen (n=103) gained 2.6±3.1 kg with a concomitant increase in fat (1.7±3.3%;p<0.05 for both).Weight gain (1.4±2.1 kg) was most marked during the first 10-12 weeks on campus while most fat mass was gained during the spring (1.1±2.5%;p<0.05 for both).Overall, freshmen (n=128 F) reported their weight accurately, however those who underreported weighed more (+10.2kg) and had higher waist circumference (+8.1 cm) and % fat (+4.0%; p<0.05 for all).Taste sensitivity was not associated with weight, adiposity, or weight change.BMI and WC performed poorly in identifying truly overweight/obese individuals (67% and 50%, respectively).Conclusions: Early weight gain iii occurred, but was not paralleled by fat gain.Thus, the final weeks on campus may be ideal for intervention and education.Practitioners relying on self-reported weight and height should be aware than individuals most at risk may be misrepresenting their true weight and reliance anthropometric indices-whether self-reported or directly-assessed-may lead to missed opportunities for intervention and prevention efforts.iv "We were together.I forget the rest."-W.W. Dedicated to my wife Mia: my strength
Authors: Ryan Leone, Amy L. Morgan, Mary‐Jon Ludy
Institution: Bowling Green State University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Bowling Green State University
OpenAlex ID: W2308418123