An observational study of first yearuniversity students’ body weight and lifestyle.

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Overweight and Obesity; Diet and Nutrition - Obesity; Public Health - Epidemiology

• Registration Number: ACTRN12615001116516
• Lead Sponsor: Evangeline Mantzioris

Brief Summary

Students in the United States gain weight significantly during their first year of university but limited data is available for Australian students. This 12-month observational study was conducted to monitor body weight, diet and lifestyle changes amongst first-year Australian university students. Participants were first-year university students over 18 years. Twenty-two first-year university students completed the study and were analysed. Changes in body weight and body composition were assessed monthly, while basal metabolic rate, dietary intake, physical activity levels, and eating behaviours were assessed quarterly. Female students gained weight significantly at two, three and four-months. Female waist circumference (2.5cm increase at two-months) and body fat also increased. Intake of sugar, saturated fat and sodium exceeded recommended levels at 12-months. Greater sedentary behaviours were observed amongst male students throughout the study. Female students are at risk of unfavourable changes in body composition during the first year of university, while males are at risk of increased sedentary behaviours. High intakes of saturated fat, sugars and sodium warrant future interventions in such a vulnerable group.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Results First Posted: 1900-01-01
• Study Start: 2015-10-23
• Study Completion: 2016-03-11
• Last Update Posted: 13 January 2020

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 29

Inclusion Criteria

Newly enrolled university undergraduate students
- Overall healthy

Exclusion Criteria

- Have studied in the past 5 years at University
- Participants receiving their nutrition either via naso-gastric (NG) tube or Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)
- Chronic conditions which affect dietary intake or absorption of nutrients or body weight

Study & Design

• Study Type: Observational
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Body weight - via Tanita body scales[Every month from baseline to 12 months (13 visits)];body fat % assessed by bioelectrical impedence[Every month from baseline to 12 months (13 visits)]

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Waist and hip circumference measurements with a measuring tape[Every 3 months (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months)];Resting energy expenditure measured with TrueOne 2400 Metabolic Measurement System –Parvomedics Inc.[At baseline and final visit at 12 months];Habitual food intake with 3-day food diary[Every 3 months (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months)];Demographic questionnaire taht has been specifically designed for this study of university students[Every 3 months (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months)];Physical activity patterns assess by INternational Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAC) questionnaire[Every 3 months (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months)];Eating behaviour assessed by Three-factor Eating Questionnaire[Every 3 months (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months)];Nutrition knowledge assessed by General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire[Every 3 months (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months)<br>]