Assessing Overweight, Obesity, Diet, and Physical Activity in College Students

TLDR

The study surveyed 738 college students aged 18–27, using BMI thresholds (≥25 kg/m² for overweight, ≥30 kg/m² for obesity) and age‑specific percentiles to classify weight status. Overweight prevalence was 21.6 % (BMI) and 16.2 % (percentile), obesity 4.9 % (BMI) and 4.2 % (percentile); more than 69 % ate fewer than five servings of fruits/vegetables, 67 % consumed less than 20 g fiber, and most engaged in physical activity fewer than three days per week, indicating widespread guideline non‑adherence and a need for prevention interventions.

Abstract

The authors surveyed 738 college students aged 18 to 27 years to assess overweight, obesity, dietary habits, and physical activity. They used BMI (body mass index) > or = 25 kg/m2 or BMI > or = 85th percentile and BMI > or = 30 kg/m2 or BMI > or = 95th percentile to estimate overweight and obesity in those aged < or = 19 years. To define overweight and obesity in those > or = 20 years, they used BMI > or = 25 kg/m2 and > or = 30 kg/m2. They found overweight rates of 21.6% using BMI directly and 16.2% using BMI percentile and obesity rates of 4.9% using BMI directly and 4.2% using BMI percentile. More than 69% of the participants reported < 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day and more than 67% reported < 20 g of fiber per day; participants reported physical activity on fewer than 3 d/wk. Most college students are not meeting dietary and physical activity guidelines, suggesting the need for prevention interventions and increased understanding of overweight in college students.