Weight, dietary and physical activity patterns, of newly enrolled undergraduate students over 12 months

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.