The objectives of this study were to examine changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), body composition, and shape in a group of male and female students over the 4-year college period. Anthropometric assessments including height and weight (via standard techniques), body composition (via bioelectrical impedance analysis), and body shape (via 3-dimensional body scanning) were conducted at the beginning of the freshman year and end of the senior year in 131 college students. Four-year changes included significant (p < 0.0001) gains in weight (3.0 kg), BMI (1.0 kg·m(-2)), body fat (3.6%), and absolute fat mass (3.2 kg). Males gained significantly (p < 0.0001) greater amounts of weight, BMI, percent and absolute fat mass, and fat-free mass than females. Weight change ranged from (-)8.7 to (+)16.8 kg. About 70% of the participants gained weight, which averaged 5.3 kg; significant (p < 0.0001) gains in BMI, fat-free mass, absolute fat mass, and percent body fat and significant (p < 0.0005) increases in neck, chest-bust, waist, hips, seat, and biceps circumferences were also observed in this weight gain group. The percentage of participants classified as overweight-obese increased from 18% to 31%. The number of females and males with ≥30% and 20% body fat, respectively, increased from n = 14 to n = 26 (with n = 4 exhibiting normal weight obesity) over the 4-year period. The waist circumference changes were significantly (p < 0.0001) correlated with both weight and percent body fat changes. In conclusion, the increasing prevalence of obesity and normal weight obesity among this college population suggests the need for additional health promotion strategies on college campuses.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine oxidative markers after exercise in a hyperthermic environment (35 degrees C, 70 % RH) (Hot) versus a neutral environment (25 degrees C, 40 % RH) (Con). Hyperthermia may exacerbate oxidative stress by uncoupling the mitochondrial respiratory chain or by inhibiting antioxidant defense mechanisms, but this has not been assessed in vivo. Six male subjects performed low-intensity exercise (50 % VO(2max)) on a treadmill in Hot until a core temperature of 39.5 degrees C was reached, and for an equivalent time in Con. Blood samples were drawn before and immediately after exercise and at 8 min and 15 min following exercise. Samples were analyzed for F2 isoprostanes (FIP), lipid hydroperoxides (LPO), and lactate. A 2 x 4 repeated measures ANOVA was used to test for treatment, time, and interaction effects for FIP, LPO, and lactate. Differences in VO(2) were tested with Student's t-test. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Oxygen consumption was not significantly different between Hot and Con. The pattern of change of FIP and lactate in Hot was significant versus exercise in Con. LPO was significantly elevated over time in both Hot and Con, but the pattern of change was not significantly different. Ending core temperatures and heart rates were significantly elevated in Hot versus Con. These data indicate that hyperthermia increases oxidative stress and selectively affects specific lipid markers, independent of oxygen consumption.

No abstract

Freshmen weight gain is associated with increases in body fat and waist circumference, which may be troublesome should the trend continue throughout college.

Differences in weight, body mass index (BMI), percent and absolute body fat, fat-free mass, and waist circumference were investigated in a group of males and females during the first three years (from 2007 to 2010) of college. Significant three-year gains were observed for weight 2.1 ± 4.7 kg, BMI 0.7 ± 1.6 kg/m2, percent body fat 2.7 ± 3.3%, and fat mass 2.3 ± 3.5 kg. A significant loss of fat-free mass, −0.5 kg, was observed among females. Absolute gains in weight, BMI, and percent and absolute body fat were highest during the freshman year, followed by the junior year, and lowest during the sophomore year. Among the 70% of students gaining weight over the three years, weight gain averaged 4.3 kg. The numbers of females with over 30% body fat doubled, and the number of males with over 20% body fat increased fivefold. Initially 15% of students were classified as obese/overweight and 79% normal weight; by the end of the junior year, 24% were obese/overweight and 70% were normal weight. Efforts on college campuses to promote healthy lifestyles among its student population are needed throughout the college years.