Weight gain prevention: identifying theory-based targets for health behavior change in young adults.

ABSTRACT: Young adults attending college are more vulnerable to weight gain than the general population. We sought to identify health behavior change targets related to weight management in college students. Based on the Social Cognitive Theory model for health behavior change, we investigated the health-related lifestyle behaviors and physiological characteristics of this population. Forty-three college students (18.3+/-0.1 years) completed a series of quantitative assessments (eg, body weight and composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and diet and activity habits) and structured qualitative assessments (ie, structured interview or focus group). Participants were predominantly normal weight (mean body mass index 22.2+/-0.4) and fit (maximal oxygen consumption 50.5+/-1.5 mL/kg/minute). However, hea

SUBMITTER: Strong KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2614557 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature