A 12-week weight loss program significantly reduced BMI in males from 26.87 to 25.75 and improved mental health scores on the SCL-90 scale among college students.
Does a 12-week weight loss and body shaping program improve physiological and mental health in college students?
A 12-week comprehensive weight loss program significantly improved body composition and mental health in college students, with more pronounced physiological benefits in females.
With the accelerated pace of modern society, the prevalence of obesity and overweight among college students has become increasingly severe, posing significant risks to both physical and mental health. Obesity not only elevates the likelihood of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders and diabetes but also adversely impacts psychological well-being, including diminished self-confidence and impaired social skills. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of a weight loss and body shaping program on the physical and mental health of college students, providing a scientific foundation and practical guidance for implementing such programs in universities. Eighty-nine students (49 females, 40 males) were recruited from a Chinese university and completed a 12-week weight loss and body shaping intervention program (March to June 2024). The program included aerobic exercise, strength training, dietary guidance, and body index monitoring, consisting of three 60-minute sessions per week. Before and after the intervention, professional instructors measured body weight, BMI, body fat rate, skeletal muscle mass（SMM）, and basal metabolic rate(BMR). Mental health status was assessed using the SCL-90 scale. Data analysis was performed using paired sample t-tests, with the significance level set at P < 0.05. Following the intervention, significant reductions in BMI and body fat rate were observed among the students. In the male group, BMI decreased from 26.87±10.13 to 25.75±8.89 (p < 0.01), while in the female group, BMI decreased from 25.36±23.69 to 24.26±16.57 (p=0.0078). Body fat in the male group decreased from 25.33±42.67 to 22.62±46.98 (p=0.02), and in the female group, it decreased from 36.13±81.39 to 31.54±76.22 (p=0.07). Female SMM significantly increased (40.79±38.41 vs. 42.75±37.38, p=0.009), and BMR significantly improved (1308±20070 vs. 1351.75±19421.67, p < 0.01). However, no significant changes were observed in SMM or BMR in the male group. SCL-90 scale results indicated significant reductions in interpersonal sensitivity, depression, and anxiety scores. The intervention program significantly improved both Physiological and mental health among college students, demonstrating reductions in body fat, increases in SMM, and enhancements in BMR, with particularly pronounced effects observed in female participants. It is worthy of promotion and implementation in universities, integrating dietary guidance and psychological interventions to provide comprehensive health management services for students. Future research should further explore the effects of different program modalities and training intensities on college students' health to optimize program design and enhance intervention efficacy.
Li et al. (2026) studied this question. A 12-week weight loss program significantly reduced BMI in males from 26.87 to 25.75 and improved mental health scores on the SCL-90 scale among college students.