Research article
Characterization of body weight and composition changes during the sophomore year of college
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* Corresponding author: David A Fields dafields@ouhsc.edu
1 Department of Medicine, Obesity Research Center, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY, USA
2 University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
3 Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
4 Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
5 Children's Medical Research Institute's Metabolic Research Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
BMC Women's Health 2007, 7:21 doi:10.1186/1472-6874-7-21
Published: 20 November 2007Abstract
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.