Obesity, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behavior in College Students July 30, 2015 Christine Pellegrini, PhD Research Assistant Professor Department of Preventive Medicine

35% of Students are Overweight or Obese American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2014

Weight Gain Greatest in Early to Mid-20’s Lewis et al., 2000

Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome Highest Among Weight Gainers Lloyd-Jones et al. Circulation. 2007;115:1004-1011

Prevent Weight Gain

Self-Reported Participation in Physical Activity MODERATE Intensity Activity for ≥ 30 minutes over past 7 days Male Female Total 0 days 22.5% 22.1% 22.3% 1-4 days 54.4% 57.6% 56.5% 5-7 days 23.1% 20.3% 21.2% 77.7% VIGOROUS Intensity Activity for ≥ 20 minutes over past 7 days Male Female Total 0 days 33.1% 38.8% 36.9% 1-4 days 30.9% 30.0% 30.3% 5-7 days 36.1% 31.2% 32.9% 63.2% American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2014

Rates of Inactivity Rise with Age Caspersen et al, 2000

≥50% is Spent in Sedentary Behavior School - Lectures - Studying - Homework - Computer Leisure - TV - Movies - Video games - Smartphone - Tablets - Socializing Matthews et al. Am. J. Epidemiol. 2008;167:875-881

Multiple Levels of Influence on Behavior Owen et al., 2011

Emerging Adulthood is Prime Time to Intervene to Preserve Health Increased independence New responsibilities Autonomy in decision-making Development of a self-identity New support systems and interpersonal influences Establishment of health behaviors Nelson et al., 2008

Discussion