Eating and health behaviors of college students in Oklahoma and Scotland

Abstract

The rise in prevalence of overweight and obesity has been seen worldwide. Overweight and obesity is impacting all age groups. College students represent a unique population that could be prime targets for obesity prevention and treatment. Data on eating and health behaviors of students in the college population is sparse. In this study, a survey was used to collect information on eating and health behaviors of college students (n=457). Data was collected in two culturally distinct locations (Oklahoma and Scotland) to allow for comparison of behaviors. Self-reported height and weight were used to determine BMI and identify correlations of BMI with behaviors. Similar prevalence of overweight and obesity were found in the students from Oklahoma and students from Scotland. Mean BMI in male and females in the Oklahoma and Scotland were 25.0, 22.4, 24.1, and 23.0, respectively. Behaviors that have been proposed to contribute to obesity such as soda consumption, inactivity, fast food and restaurant use, cigarette and alcohol use, were found to be prevalent in college students. Other behaviors such as fast food and restaurant use, cigarette and alcohol use, and amounts of meat, fruit and vegetable consumption were found to vary among college students. Positive correlation with behaviors such as amounts of meat eaten, exercise, and alcohol and cigarette use and BMI were found. Negative correlations between snacking, soda consumption and dieting and BMI were found. In a period when lifetime health beliefs and behaviors are being developed, college students were found to participate in practices that may increase their risk of over weight and obesity.