Researchers have learned about the impact of student lifestyle on weight in the future

A study by scientists from Tauft University has shown that during their student years (from 18 to 25 years old), most people face a sharp increase in weight, since healthy habits may be tested for the first time during the transition to adulthood. This was reported by Medical Xpress magazine on March 3.

Scientists have found that the lifestyle in the years before college often persists into adulthood. According to the results, in general, people with low health gained more weight, who continued to lead such a lifestyle. At the same time, people who followed healthy habits experienced less weight gain.

"College is a critically important period when young people gain autonomy and make their own decisions about physical activity, nutrition and other aspects of health to a greater extent than in previous years. Guiding college students towards maintaining or adopting healthy habits can have long—term effects on health and well-being," said the study's senior author, associate professor at the School of Nutrition Science and Policy. Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman at the University of Tauft Dan Hatfield.

From 1998 to 2007, 4,641 first-year students at Tauft University participated in the study. They filled out a questionnaire in which they indicated the level of fruits, vegetables and dairy products consumed, the type of food, the level of physical activity and sleep quality, as well as their height, weight, age and gender. In 2018, 970 graduates from the initial group completed the same questionnaire to compare their results.

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By studying the responses, the researchers assessed the students' changing habits and their impact on weight and health in the long term. After a repeat survey 11-20 years after the first one, it turned out that about half of the participants retained their lifestyle, which they adhered to before going to college. At the same time, 31.7% experienced a deterioration, while the remaining 18.6% experienced an improvement.

About 67% of the respondents maintained a healthy weight, 25% gained weight and another 1% switched to a healthier one. The remaining participants remained consistently overweight or obese. Thus, the prevalence of overweight increased from 12% to 26%, and obesity — from 2% to 8%.

"Studying the problem of obesity in dynamics from different perspectives and taking into account demographic characteristics is crucial to advance the solution of this complex problem," said Kristina Economos, co—author of the article, the main author of the study, Dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.

According to her, each such study expands the understanding of the problem that worries a large number of people. According to the expert, this analysis suggests that university campuses can play a role in initiatives aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and improving weight-related health indicators.

On February 28, Medical Xpress explained the reasons for overeating without feeling hungry. According to the study, the brain continues to actively respond to attractive food signals even after satiation. Scientists have suggested that such reactions may work automatically, like a link developed over the years between a certain food and pleasure.

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