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Weight Gain In First-Semester University Students: Positive Sleep And Diet Practices Associated With Protective Effects, Mary-Jon Ludy, Sze-Yen Tan, Ryan J. Leone, Amy L. Morgan, Robin M. Tucker

Public and Allied Health Faculty Publications

For university students, alterations in sleep and diet quality are common, and the propensity for weight gain is well established. The role of sleep duration during periods of rapid weight gain is understudied. This study explored the relationships between sleep duration, diet patterns, and body composition in first-year university students. Data collection occurred during the beginning of the fall (August) and spring semesters (January). Anthropometric measures included weight, height, and percent body fat (%BF). Survey questions assessed sleep and diet quality. As a group, participants (N = 60) gained weight (1.8 ± 2.1 kg) over the 4.5-month period of study. …