Obesity Status and Body Satisfaction of African American College Women Delores C. S. James, PhD, RD, LD, FASHA Associate Professor Jennifer R. Bonds Undergraduate Researcher University of Florida Gainesville, FL

Obesity Prevalence Obesity has doubled among American adults since 1980 African Americans have higher rates of obesity and weight related diseases African American women have a higher rate of overweight and obesity than African American men

Obesity Prevalence In 1999, the greatest increase was among young adults ages 18 to 29 In 1997, one in five college students was overweight One third of African American college students were overweight in 1995 African American female students were more likely to be overweight than their White and Hispanic counterparts

Goals To assess obesity status and body satisfaction among African American college females To examine differences in these variables between a predominately white university and a historically black college and university (HBCU)

Methods and Procedures Convenient sample 402 undergraduate women of African descent Two public universities in Florida University of Florida Florida A&M University (HBCU) Self-administered survey IRB approval from both campuses Recruited from sororities, campus organizations, and various places frequented by students Students received a cup as an incentive

School Characteristics UF 48,765 students 7.4% African American/Black FAMU 13, 067 students 93.4% African American/Black Both schools offer doctoral program

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) 135 typically small undergraduate institutions Produce 40 percent of this countrys Black graduates Most located in the South

Demographics The mean age was ±2.17, with students at the FAMU (20.92±2.56) slightly older than those at the UF (19.94±1.55) (p<.0001). 31%were seniors, 35% were juniors, 26% were sophomores, and 7% were freshmen. Significantly more seniors at the FAMU and significantly more freshmen and sophomores at the UF (p<.0001).

Demographics UFFAMU Age19.94± ±2.56** GPA3.14±0.43*2.99±0.47 Hrs Worked16.18± ±9.77** Organizations2.82±1.92**1.89±1.92 *p <.05; **p <.0001

Academic Classification by School

Housing 55% off-campus apartments with roommates 26% lived in the dorms 13% lived alone in off-campus apartments 6% lived at home with relatives. Students at the FAMU were significantly more likely to live at home with relatives, live alone off campus, and live with roommates off campus, while students at the UF were significantly more likely to live in the dorms (p<.0001).

Housing by School

Weight Status in College 51% gained weight 24% lost weight 26% stayed the same Students at FAMU were (significantly) more likely to report weight gain in college (p<.01)

BMI BMI were calculated based on self- reported weight and height Everyone25.24±5.56 (overweight) FAMU 25.62±6.00 (overweight) UF 24.89±5.10 (normal, high end) There was no significant difference between schools on BMI

BMI Classification of Respondents BMI Class 56% Healthy % Overweight % Obese 30 2% Underweight <18.5

BMI by Academic Classification BMI varied significantly by Academic Class Freshmen 26.03±1.13 (overweight) Sophomores 24.19±4.72 (normal) Juniors24.97±4.63 (normal/over) Seniors ±6.70 (overweight) Sophomores (24.19 ±4.72) had significantly lower BMI than seniors (26.20 ±6.70), p.05.

BMI by Academic Classification

BMI by Housing BMI varied significantly by Housing At home 27.83±8.20 (overweight)** Apt, alone ±6.56 (overweight)** Apt, others 24.62±4.76 (normal, high end) On campus 24.61±4.96 (normal, high end) **p<.0001

BMI by Housing

Weight Perception BMI varied significantly by weight perception Respondents described their weight based on five categories Underweight Just right Slightly overweight Very overweight Extremely overweight No significant difference by school

BMI by Weight Perception

BMI and Weight Satisfaction Respondents also were asked to rate their level of satisfaction with their weight. 37% were satisfied/very satisfied with their weight, 36% were somewhat satisfied, and 27% were dissatisfied/very dissatisfied with their weight. Weight satisfaction did not vary by school (p>.05). However, ANOVA revealed that BMI varied significantly by weight satisfaction (p<.0001). Those who were dissatisfied were in the overweight or obese category and those who were satisfied were in the healthy range

BMI by Weight Satisfaction

Thoughts about Weight Respondents were asked how often they thought about their weight. 13% a few times a day 38% almost everyday 27% a few times a month 22% rarely/never think There was no significant difference by school (p>.05). However, ANOVA revealed that BMI varied by thoughts about weight (p<.0001).

BMI by Thoughts of Weight

Thoughts about Weight Multiple post-hoc comparisons revealed higher BMI for students who thought about their weight BMI 27.94±6.32Few times/day (overweight) BMI 26.95±5.99Almost daily (overweight) BMI 23.87±3.73 Few times a month (normal) BMI 22.18±3.73Rarely/never (normal) In fact, it showed that those who thought about their weight often were in the BMI overweight category and those who did not think about their weight very often were in the healthy BMI category.

Conclusion This study found few significant differences in weight status and body satisfaction between African American college females attending a HBCU and a PWU. Differences were due mainly to the demographic characteristics of the samples, particularly housing location.

Conclusion Mean BMI for participants was 25.24±5.56, thus classifying them as being overweight. However, further analysis by BMI category showed the majority (55%) had BMI in the healthy range. But, 25% of the respondent could be classified as overweight and 17% could be classified as obese 27% were very dissatisfied/dissatisfied and this was correlated with high BMI

Implications for College Health Consider the housing arrangements, i.e. whether the off-campus students live alone, at home with relatives, or with roommates. Need to specifically target students who live off campus

Implications for College Health Weight management programs should focus on maintaining a healthy weight throughout the entire college career, not just during the freshmen year.

Study Limitations Convenient sample Self-selection bias Self reported weight and height BMI was used as the sole measure to classify participants weight Small sample size. Larger sample may have found more differences between schools