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

2. 35% of Students are Overweight or Obese
American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2014

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

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

5. Prevent Weight Gain

6. 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

7. Rates of Inactivity Rise with Age
Caspersen et al, 2000

8. ≥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:

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

10. 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

11. Discussion