Factors contributing to weight-gain among college freshmen: A two-year prospective study

BACKGROUND: Obesity in the US has become an epidemic, with a prevalence rate of overweight and obese adults at nearly 68%. Obesity is linked with a higher risk of life threatening illnesses. Obesity rates have accelerated over the past two decades and one crucial developmental period for weight gain is among emerging adults starting college. This study examined contributing factors to weight gain among college freshmen over two years.

METHODS: Data collected for the prospective longitudinal study consisted of two waves, a baseline data collection phase and 2-year follow-up. There were 198 (61% women) freshmen at baseline and 79 (55% women) at follow-up. Participants completed self-efficacy measures, stage-of-change measures, physical activity measures, and a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Anthropometric measures were taken (height, weight, and body fat percentage). Analyses included mixed-model ANOVAs with within-subject factors and multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS: Overall, students gained 1.5lbs (p>.05), but 34% of participants gained over 5lbs and 17% gained over 10lbs. Participants who gained weight were men, ate more calories from sweets, desserts and fewer calories from fats. Participants who gained weight had less body fat at baseline and increased in body fat percentage after weight gain. Increase in calories from desserts or sweets increased odds of weight gain (OR=1.075, CI=1.01-1.14) and body fat (OR=1.106, CI=1.036-1.181).

CONCLUSIONS: Dietary habits were the driver of weight gain among freshmen and men were more likely to gain weight. Future research should explore specific dietary foods that are increasing weight and develop targeted preventions/interventions for those at risk.