Dieting Practices and Body Composition in College Females
Author Information
Author(s): Brenda M Malinauskas, Thomas D Raedeke, Victor G Aeby, Jean L Smith, Matthew B Dallas
Primary Institution: East Carolina University
Hypothesis
Do normal weight individuals diet differently from those who are overweight or obese?
Conclusion
Female college students, regardless of weight status, would benefit from discussions with health educators about healthy dieting practices.
Supporting Evidence
- 83% of participants used dieting for weight loss.
- 80% reported using physical activity to control weight.
- Only 19% exercised at a level that would promote weight loss.
- Smoking cigarettes was reported by 9% of participants as a weight loss behavior.
- 32% of participants skipped breakfast, which is an unhealthy dieting practice.
Takeaway
This study looked at how college girls of different weights diet and what they think about their bodies. It found that many girls diet, but they might not be doing it in a healthy way.
Methodology
The study involved surveys and body composition measurements of 185 female college students aged 18 to 24.
Potential Biases
The sample was limited to female college students at a single university, which may not represent all demographics.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional, so it cannot determine causal relationships between dieting and weight control.
Participant Demographics
Participants were predominantly White (78%), with 18% Black and 4% American Indian, Asian, or Hispanic; most were freshmen and sophomores.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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