Obesity Prevention Toolkit to Combat Weight Gain Related to Sedentary Behavior and Dietary Habits in College Students: An Evidence-Based Project

Abstract

Background: Forty percent of the US population ages 20-39 are categorized as obese, their BMI is over 30, and 35% of college age students are obese or overweight. Issues related to obesity cost the US $147 billion annually. Between 40%-50% of college students are reported to be inactive. Inactivity can lead to increased morbidity and mortality related to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, musculoskeletal issues, and depression. Providing dietary and physical activity education and access to nutritional information promotes behavior change in young adults. Aims of Service Change: This evidence-based project proposal aims to provide a toolkit that can be utilized in higher education institutions with incoming students to increase self-efficacy related to positive dietary choices and increased physical activity amongst college age students. Ultimately, this has the potential to reduce the incidence of poor outcomes later in life. Details of Innovation: This toolkit includes: dietary education using online resources, physical activity recommendations in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and access to nutritional information digitally. This will be offered over a three-month period and results will be tracked throughout the term. Outcomes: Implementation of an evidenced-based structured toolkit can provide benefits to higher education institutions by proactively addressing the ramifications of unhealthy lifestyles, weight gain and sedentary behavior which in turn has medical cost saving potential and increased retention rates. OBESITY PREVENTION TOOLKIT FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS 3 Obesity Prevention Toolkit to Combat Weight Gain Related to Sedentary Behavior and Dietary Habits in College Students: An EvidenceBased Project Background and Significance of the Clinical Problem Obesity continues to be a leading precursor to preventable health related disease and conditions (Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee, 2018). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 40% of adults age 20-39 fall under the category of obese, having a body mass index (BMI) over 30 (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Data also reveals that obesity prevalence is lower in individuals who have college degrees in comparison to their counterparts (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Despite programs and resources, young adults, particularly those enrolled in higher education, continue to fall victim. A cross-sectional study of over 9,000 college students found that only 4.4% had correct knowledge of recommendations for physical activity (Abula et al., 2018). One part of the Healthy People 2020 initiative (now transitioned to Healthy People 2030) is the promotion of physical activity in youth and adults. Although there are known benefits to participating in regular physical activity, 80% of young adults are not meeting the recommendations by the Physical Activity Guidelines Committee (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2018). Further, 40%-50% of college students report to be inactive (Keating et al., 2005). In conjunction with physical activity, dietary habits contribute to above average body weight. Healthy People 2030 also addresses concerns and provides recommendations regarding poor dietary choices leading to increased risk of obesity and chronic diseases (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2020). OBESITY PREVENTION TOOLKIT FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS 4 College students in particular are at risk, there is a known association between academic performance, inadequate nutrition, and physical activity (Babaeer et al., 2021). Evidence supports a new sense of autonomy and potential for greater stressors as college students transition during this pivotal time in their lives. Their habits around diet and exercise may change as they adjust from home to college life. These habits are ones that will persist to adulthood (Abraham et al., 2018). Equipping this population with the knowledge and support regarding physical activity and diet has proven beneficial in influencing positive life-long behaviors that ultimately decrease risk of preventable disease and obesity (Gow et al., 2010).