ERIC Number: EJ1236156
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Dec
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1857-6036
EISSN: N/A
Overweight and Obese College Students' Perceived Barriers and Motivators for a Healthy Lifestyle
Oh, Yoonsin; Kang, Boung Jin; Yoo, Soojin; Lopez, Angelica
European Journal of Educational Sciences, v3 n4 p17-26 Dec 2016
This qualitative study explored overweight and obese college students' experiences of obesity. Overweight and obese university students (BMI 25 or higher) from a southwestern regional university in the United States were recruited for in-depth qualitative interviews. Interviews were conducted face-to-face in a private room during the academic year 2013-14. A team of trained qualitative researchers used conversational interviews to discuss the students' experiences for 45-60 minutes. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data analysis used qualitative emergent themes and categorization. Researchers analyzed the data at team meetings for triangulation and validation. Nineteen overweight or obese university students (female=11 and male=8) participated in the study. Sixty-three percent (12 out of 19) were obese and the remainder were overweight. Seventy-three percent (14 out of 19) did not meet the physical activity guidelines for Americans. Time and motivation were barriers for physical activity. Seventy-three percent (14 out of 19) reported eating unhealthy foods. Lack of time and convenience were barriers to eating healthier. They showed a lack of knowledge on how to make healthy food choices. Eleven out of nineteen (57%) participants were self-conscious about their body, and half were having trouble finding clothes that fit. These results support the previous literature on psychological issues, lack of daily physical activity, and lack of a healthy diet. This suggests that health promotion is needed for college students to foster healthier lifestyles.
Descriptors: Obesity, College Students, Student Attitudes, Barriers, Life Style, Body Composition, Time Management, Physical Activity Level, Eating Habits, Knowledge Level, Self Concept, Dietetics, Nutrition, Self Motivation, Health Behavior
European Scientific Institute. International Relation Office, St. 203, No.1, 2300 Kocani, Republic of Macedonia. e-mail: contat@ejes.eu; Web site: http://ejes.eu/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A