ERIC Number: EJ861538
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
EISSN: N/A
The "Freshman 5": A Meta-Analysis of Weight Gain in the Freshman Year of College
Vella-Zarb, Rachel A.; Elgar, Frank J.
Journal of American College Health, v58 n2 p161-166 2009
Objective: (1) To use the available research to estimate the amount of weight gained by college freshman during their first year of college. (2) To identify potential predictors of freshman weight gain. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted in November 2008. The analysis focused on articles published in English scientific journals between 1985 and 2008 available on the MEDLINE, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases and excluded studies of weight change over periods beyond freshman year. Results: Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Based on a pooled sample of 3,401 cases, mean weight gain was 3.86 (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 3.81-3.91) lbs. Potential contributors to gain were recent dieting, high baseline weight, and psychological stress. Conclusions: The first year of college is a period of vulnerability for weight problems. Further research is needed to better understand freshman weight gain and devise appropriate prevention strategies based on predictors of gain. (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Intervals, Prevention, Nutrition, College Freshmen, Body Weight, Predictor Variables, Meta Analysis, Journal Articles, Databases, Dietetics, Stress Variables, Psychological Patterns
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Publication Type: Information Analyses; Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A