Research article

Characterization of body weight and composition changes during the sophomore year of college

Holly R Hull¹ , Michelle L Morrow² , Mary K Dinger³ , Jennifer L Han³ and David A Fields^4,5

¹Department of Medicine, Obesity Research Center, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY, USA

²University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA

³Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA

⁴Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA

⁵Children's Medical Research Institute's Metabolic Research Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA

author email corresponding author email

BMC Women's Health 2007, 7:21doi:10.1186/1472-6874-7-21

Published:	20 November 2007

Abstract

Background

Years spent in college represents a critical time for obesity development though little information is known regarding how body weight and composition changes beyond the first year of college. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in body weight and composition and the factors influencing those changes among sophomore females.

Methods

Body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was obtained in participants beginning during their freshman year and continued through their sophomore year.

Results

No difference was observed between sophomore year fall and spring visits for body weight (60.4 versus 60.6 kg) or fat mass (19.3 versus 18.7 kg). However, a significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease was observed for body fat (31.9 versus 30.9 %fat) and a significant increase was observed for fat-free mass (37.7 versus 38.4 kg). Participants living off campus significantly (P ≤ 0.05) declined in body fat (33.0 versus 31.0 %fat) and fat mass (19.4 versus 18.2 kg) and increased in fat-free mass (36.1 versus 37.2 kg) with no differences in those living on campus.

Conclusion

No change in body weight was observed in females during their sophomore year. However, an increase in fat-free mass accompanied with a decrease in fat mass resulted in a decrease in body fat. Participants living off campus had favorable changes in their body composition by means of decreasing %fat and fat mass while increasing fat-free mass. Participants living on campus did not demonstrate these favorable changes.