Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Obesity, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behavior in College Students

Christine Pellegrini, PhDResearch Assistant ProfessorDepartment of Preventive Medicine

July 30, 2015

35% of Students are Overweight or Obese

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American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2014

Underweight5%

Healthy Weight61%

Overweight23%

Obese12%

Weight Gain Greatest in Early to Mid-20’s

3 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

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Male Female Total0 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%

American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2014

MODERATE Intensity Activity for ≥ 30 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%

VIGOROUS Intensity Activity for ≥ 20 minutes over past 7 days

77.7%

63.2%

Caspersen et al, 2000

Rates of Inactivity Rise with Age

≥50% is Spent in Sedentary Behavior

Matthews et al. Am. J. Epidemiol. 2008;167:875-881

School - Lectures- Studying- Homework - Computer

Leisure - Computer- TV - Movies- Video games- Smartphone - Tablets - Socializing

9

Owen et al., 2011

Multiple Levels of Influence on Behavior

Emerging Adulthood is Prime Time to Intervene to Preserve Health

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• 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