Changes in body weight, body composition and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in first-year university freshmen students

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to document any changes that might occur in body weight, body composition, RMR, and dietary intake in newly enrolled college freshmen. METHODS: Body weight, RMR by ventilated O(2) consumption, body composition by bioelectrical impedance and dietary intakes were recorded in 27 first-year college freshmen during their initial 16-week semester. RESULTS: Mean body weight increased significantly with time (3.0 lbs; p < 0.001); 16 subjects (59%) gained >or= 3.0 lbs, while 6 subjects (22%) gained >or= 6 lbs. Percent fat mass significantly increased (p < 0.001), while lean body mass decreased (p < 0.001). Changes in RMR failed to reach statistical significance; however, there was a significant correlation between changes in weight and RMR (r = 0.45; p < 0.02). Mean reported calorie intake did not differ significantly between the beginning (1905 +/- 664 kcal) and end (1960 +/- 687 kcal) of the study. However, the differences ( approximately 55 kcal) are in the range necessary to support the mean 3 lb. weight gain. CONCLUSIONS: The present study supports the notion that freshmen students, on average, gain weight during their first semester; however, this weight gain may be more modest than generally perceived. The study also provides important new data on changes in diet, body composition and RMR.