Identifying methods used to manage weight and shape by first year university students: A qualitative analysis.
Eat Behav
; 53: 101885, 2024 Apr.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38772294
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
To identify current strategies used by first-year university students to lose weight, maintain weight, or change their body shape.METHODS:
First-year university students (n = 661) completed an open-ended, web-based survey. Cross-sectional data were analyzed qualitatively using a reflexive thematic approach to identify strategies used to lose weight, maintain weight, or alter body shape/composition. Thematic maps were constructed for each weight- and shape-related goal.RESULTS:
Four main types of strategies were used to achieve all three weight or shape-related goals among first-year college students changes in diet, changes in exercise, self-monitoring, and disordered eating. One behavioral strategy observed across all weight-related goals was prioritizing protein consumption, including protein gained from supplementation. However, there were also differences in strategies by weight- or shape-related goal. For example, only participants aiming to lose or maintain weight reported mindful strategies for monitoring diet. Individuals aiming to alter body composition reported heterogeneity in goal-related intentions, targeting specific body parts through exercise, and extensive supplement use.CONCLUSIONS:
First-year college students use a variety of strategies to manage their weight and shape. Some strategies were observed across goals, whereas others are specific to the weight- or shape-related goal. More research is needed to understand the impacts, both positive and negative, of using the strategies identified in the present study.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Limite:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article