Change in Diet, Physical Activity, and Body Weight in Female College Freshman

OBJECTIVE: To examine diet, physical activity, and body-weight changes associated with relocation from home to university. METHODS: Diet, fitness/physical activity, body-weight parameters and self-efficacy were assessed among 54 freshman women upon college entry and 5 months later. RESULTS: Although caloric intake significantly decreased, a significant increase occurred in body-weight parameters that may be attributed to significant decreases in total physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions are needed aimed at increasing physical activity; improving diet quality related to consumption of vegetables, fruits, breads and pasta, and meats; and decreasing alcohol consumption.