Rationale and design of GENEiUS: a prospective observational study on the genetic and environmental determinants of body mass index evolution in Canadian undergraduate students.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Obesity is a global epidemic and is a risk factor for developing other comorbidities. Young adulthood is a critical period for body weight change and establishing healthy lifestyle behaviours. The 'Freshman 15' suggests that undergraduate students gain 15 lbs (6.8 kg) during their first year of university, although evidence estimates a more modest weight gain of approximately 3-5 lbs (1.4-2.3 kg). Previous studies have only investigated weight change in the first year and do not study potential risk factors. Genetic and EnviroNmental Effects on weight in University Students (GENEiUS) is a prospective observational study which will investigate the environmental and biological determinants of weight change in undergraduate students over 4 years.

Methods and analysis</

SUBMITTER: Morassut RE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5778320 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature