northwestern university feinberg school of medicine obesity, physical activity, and sedentary...

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Obesity, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behavior in College Students

Christine Pellegrini, PhDResearch Assistant ProfessorDepartment of Preventive Medicine

July 30, 2015

35% of Students are Overweight or Obese

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American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2014

Underweight5%

Healthy Weight61%

Overweight23%

Obese12%

Weight Gain Greatest in Early to Mid-20’s

3 Lewis et al., 2000

Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome Highest Among Weight Gainers

Lloyd-Jones et al. Circulation. 2007;115:1004-1011

Prevent Weight Gain

Self-Reported Participation in Physical Activity

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Male Female Total0 days 22.5% 22.1% 22.3%1-4 days 54.4% 57.6% 56.5%5-7 days 23.1% 20.3% 21.2%

American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment: Reference Group Executive Summary Spring 2014

MODERATE Intensity Activity for ≥ 30 minutes over past 7 days

Male Female Total

0 days 33.1% 38.8% 36.9%

1-4 days 30.9% 30.0% 30.3%

5-7 days 36.1% 31.2% 32.9%

VIGOROUS Intensity Activity for ≥ 20 minutes over past 7 days

77.7%

63.2%

Caspersen et al, 2000

Rates of Inactivity Rise with Age

≥50% is Spent in Sedentary Behavior

Matthews et al. Am. J. Epidemiol. 2008;167:875-881

School - Lectures- Studying- Homework - Computer

Leisure - Computer- TV - Movies- Video games- Smartphone - Tablets - Socializing

9

Owen et al., 2011

Multiple Levels of Influence on Behavior

Emerging Adulthood is Prime Time to Intervene to Preserve Health

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• Increased independence • New responsibilities• Autonomy in decision-making• Development of a self-identity • New support systems and interpersonal

influences• Establishment of health behaviors

Nelson et al., 2008

Discussion