Weight management by college students

Research on college students weight management practices is very limited.With the increase in overweight and obese Americans, it is critical that we address health practices of adolescents and young adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the weight management practices of college students. The research on overweight and obesity in America indicates that this is a growing epidemic which cannot be ignored. Adults attitudes and practices of a healthy lifestyle are established during the adolescent and young adulthood years, so it is critical that society take an active role in educating college students on healthy lifestyle changes.The researcher created a questionnaire which examined students who have tried to lose, maintain, or gain weight in the past year and the methods they utilized to do so. Research revealed that over 50% of students have tried to lose weight in the past year. Both males and females are utilizing the method of increasing daily physical activity to assist with the weight loss process. Freshmen had the highest number of responses for attempting to lose weight. Significantly more males than females attempted to gain weight. The research shows that students are using healthy means, such as by following the Food Guide Pyramid, increasing daily exercise and reducing caloric intake. The responses for the sources from which students obtain information related to weight management varied by gender, however both males and females look to their friends for weight management information.School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise ScienceThesis (M.A.