ERIC Number: EJ794288
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 6
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
EISSN: N/A
Differences in Dietary Patterns among College Students According to Body Mass Index
Brunt, Ardith; Rhee, Yeong; Zhong, Li
Journal of American College Health, v56 n6 p629-634 May-Jun 2008
Objective and Participants: The authors surveyed 557 undergraduate students aged 18-56 years to assess weight status, health behaviors, and dietary variety. Methods: They used body mass index (BMI) to divide students into 4 weight categories: underweight (BMI less than 19 kg/m2), healthy weight (19 kg/m2 to 24.99 kg/m2), overweight (25 kg/m2 to 29.99 kg/m2), and obese (greater than 30 kg/m2). Results: Approximately 33% of respondents were overweight or obese, and 8% were underweight. Among the weight categories, the authors observed significant differences in diet (eg, cheese, pork, lamb, veal and game, fish, green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, and the cumulative total of all meats). Overall, 33% of the students consumed 1 fruit in 3 days. The authors found no differences among the weight categories related to eating fatty, sugary snacks. Conclusions: College administrators should create health promotion and skill-building programs to improve students' diet variety.
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Obesity, Body Composition, Health Promotion, Health Behavior, Dietetics, Scientific Concepts, Eating Habits, Body Weight, College Administration
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A