This Is AuburnElectronic Theses and Dissertations

College Freshmen Weight Gain: Residency Effects

Date

2009-11-20

Author

Harrington, Paul, III

Type of Degree

thesis

Department

Nutrition and Food Science

Abstract

Objective: Academic year changes in weight, body mass index (BMI), percent (%) body fat, and fat free mass were examined in freshmen based on residency. Subjects: 277 freshmen living on campus and 183 living off campus participated. Methods: Height, weight, and body composition (using bioelectrical impedance) were assessed first semester (beginning and end) and second semester (end). Results: Females living on (n=203) campus gained significantly more weight, BMI, and fat free mass (3.6 + 4.7 lbs, 0.6 + 0.8 kg/m2, 1.3 + 3.7 lbs, respectively) the first semester than females living off (n=97) campus (1.5 + 6.0 lbs, 0.3 + 1.0 kg/m2, 0.0 + 4.1 lbs, respectively). By second semester, freshmen living on campus gained significantly more percent body fat (0.4 ± 2.0%) than freshmen living off campus (0.0 + 1.8%) and tended to lose significantly more fat free mass (-0.1 ± 3.6 lbs) than freshmen living off campus (0.6 ± 3.6 lbs). Conclusions: Freshman year on campus college residency by women is associated with greater initial weight, BMI, and fat free mass gains than off campus residency.