Gender, Residence and Ethnicity Affect Freshman BMI and Dietary Habits

OBJECTIVES: To examine relationships between gender, ethnicity, and residency, with factors influencing weight gain in 756 multiethnic college freshmen. METHODS: An online survey obtained participants' height and weight; consumption of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meals; dieting and exercise patterns. RESULTS: Ten percent of Asians were underweight; most lived off campus. Forty percent of Hispanics were overweight/obese; most lived on campus. After starting college, on-campus students decreased intake of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meal frequency; off-campus students decreased dairy and dinner frequency (P < 0.001). Few met dietary guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Moving to campus may contribute to weight gain in some ethnic groups.