Characterization of body weight and composition changes during the sophomore year of college

Body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was obtained in participants beginning during their freshman year and continued through their sophomore year.No difference was observed between sophomore year fall and spring visits for body weight (60.4 versus 60.6 kg) or fat mass (19.3 versus 18.7 kg). However, a significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease was observed for body fat (31.9 versus 30.9 %fat) and a significant increase was observed for fat-free mass (37.7 versus 38.4 kg). Participants living off campus significantly (P ≤ 0.05) declined in body fat (33.0 versus 31.0 %fat) and fat mass (19.4 versus 18.2 kg) and increased in fat-free mass (36.1 versus 37.2 kg) with no differences in those living on campus.No change in body weight was observed in females during their sophomore year. However, an increase in fat-free mass accompanied with a decrease in fat mass resulted in a decrease in body fat. Participants living off campus had favorable changes in their body composition by means of decreasing %fat and fat mass while increasing fat-free mass. Participants living on campus did not demonstrate these favorable changes.It is widely accepted that substantial weight gain occurs during the first year of college therefore the phrase 'Freshman 15' is often echoed on college campuses. However no study has actually shown the purported 15 pound increase, instead an average of 1.9 kg (4.2 pound) has been reported between all studies completed [1-11]. Possibly more important and warranting further inquiry than weight gained in solely the first year of college is whether weight gained is lost, maintained or if additional weight is added. This information could provide a crucial model of slow weight gain thought to be at the root of our current obesity epidemic.Increases in obesity levels are commonly attributed to small prolonged increases in energy intake resulting in a gradual consistent yearly weight gain. In young adults this has been estimated to be approximately 0.2 to 0.8