Obesity, Diet, and Physical Activity of College Students Jimmie Bunting & Cole Stuerke

Introduction Study examined incidence of obesity and healthy lifestyle behaviors of college students Observed students in health & non health-related majors Stated individuals are more likely to follow advice of health care professional if they live healthy lifestyle

Why? Relatable and has personal significance Obesity is an epidemic in America Obesity can be life-threatening Can be controlled and reversed with lifestyle changes

Population 96 undergraduate full-time college students (61 women, 35 men) Average age of 21.9±0.6 years, representation from all classes Represented ethnic diversity of campus (75% Caucasian, 7% African American, 9% Asian American, 5% Hispanic, 4% other) 46% in health-related majors, 54% in non health-related 45% lived on-campus, remainder off-campus (with or without parents)

Hypothesis “Students in health-related majors would be less likely to be overweight or obese” More physically active More likely to eat recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables We agreed with hypothesis, but believed differences would only be slight

Testing Method Supine Position Blood pressure & resting heart rate Body Comp: height, weight, % body fat, waist & hip circumferences BMI (from waist and hip measurements) YMCA 3-min step test Health habits questionnaire

Results No significant difference in body comp between groups Trend that health-related majors less likely to be overweight or obese 31% of entire population was overweight or obese 38% non health-related majors 21% health-related majors

Exercise Prescription Overview Goal: high calorie expenditure causing weight loss 2 days – resistance training (1 upper body, 1 lower body) 2 days – interval training/aerobic circuit 2 days – light aerobic activity, i.e. sport of choice, light walk/jog

Monday Warm-up: 5-10 min treadmill walk Upper Body Resistance Day (3 sets, reps) Bench Press DB Military Press Biceps Curl Triceps Extension Lat Pulldown Core Workout, 30 sec each (leg lifts, bicycles, crunches) 15 min Static Stretch Cooldown

Tuesday Warm-up: min light bike HIIT Training – 300 Workout (50 Each Exercise) Jumping Jacks Mountain Climbers Sit-ups Bodyweight Squats Push-ups Medicine Ball Slams 15 min Static Stretch Cooldown

Wednesday Light Aerobic Day Goal is to stay active without high exertion Options include: min light walk/jog - sport of choice min swim

Thursday Warm-Up: min light elliptical Lower Body Resistance (3 sets, reps) Seated Leg Press DB Lunge Bodyweight Calf Raises Leg Curl Machine Leg Extension Machine 15 min Static Stretch Cooldown

Article Reference FERRARA, C. M., NOBREGA, C., & DULFAN, F. (2013). OBESITY, DIET, AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BEHAVIORS OF STUDENTS IN HEALTH-RELATED PROFESSIONS. College Student Journal, 47(3),