LR 2

Insights into University Freshman Weight Issues and How They Make Decisions About
Eating
Author(s): COURTNEY CARPENTER CHILDERS, ERIC HALEY and LISA JAHNS
Source: The Journal of Consumer Affairs , Summer 2011, Vol. 45, No. 2 (Summer 2011),
pp. 306-328
Published by: Wiley
Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/23859818
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306 THE JOURNAL OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS
COURTNEY CARPENTER CHILDERS,

ERIC HALEY, AND LISA JAHNS
Insights into University Freshman Weight Issues and

How They Make Decisions About Eating
The transition from high school to college represents a life turning
point during which health behavior paths may be influenced. This
study addresses the internal and external factors that guide students'
eating decisions as they are understood and relayed by students
through qualitative methods. A sample of 102 second semester college
freshmen participated in a two-week data collection period. Results
show that many students are caught in a negative cycle of food choices
with notable social and environmental determinants impacting both
their physical and emotional health.
From a life-course perspective, the time period when traditionally aged

students (17-20 years) transition from high school to college represents
a turning point during which health behavior paths may be influenced
(Bryant and Dundes 2005; Wickrama et al. 2003). The myriad stres
sors college freshmen face from homework, interpersonal relationships,
altered sleep patterns and loneliness compound any potential for poor
eating and exercise behaviors (Anderson, Shapiro, and Lundgren 2003).
This issue is all the more alarming with recent reports regarding grow
ing levels of overweight and obesity among youth: Among children and
adolescents aged 2 to 19 years, 17.1% were overweight in 2003 to 2004
(Ogden et al. 2006). At some point during their lifespan, the 31% of
overweight children can likely expect to become part of the 67% of
overweight adults in the United States (CDC 2006).
LITERATURE REVIEW
Previous research about college freshmen and weight gain—of

called the "freshman 15" for the 15 pounds they are assumed to
after entering college—has focused largely on documenting diet
Courtney Carpenter Childers (childers@utk.edu) is an Assistant Professor of Advertising

Erie Haley (haley@utk.edu) is a Professor of Advertising, both at the University of Tenne
Knoxville. Lisa Jahns (Lisa.Jahns@ars.usda.gov) is a Nutritionist at the United States Depart
of Agriculture.
The Journal of Consumer Affairs, Summer 2011: 306-328

ISSN 0022-0078
Copyright 2011 by The American Council on Consumer Interests

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SUMMER 2011 VOLUME 45, NUMBER 2 307
physical activity (Bray and Born 2004; Graha

Jackson, and Sullivan 1993; Hoffman et al.
and Mrdjenovic 2004; Racette et al. 2005). H
that the name "freshman 15" may be a misn
How Much Weight Change and Wh
Several studies of freshmen men and wom

significant weight gain among many freshm
gain reported is less than the "freshman 15" p
Morrow et al. (2006) found that female fr
1 kg of body weight between first and secon
increases were also noted in BMI, percentage
and waist circumference. Hoffman et al. (2
gained an average of 2.86 pounds (1.3 kg), b
gained weight, the mean increase in body
In terms of how many students gain weigh
Lundgren (2003) found that 25% of freshm
during the first semester of college. Race
70% of their student sample had gained w
sophomore year. Across the first two years o
et al. (in press) found the most weight gain a
first semester of the freshman year.
Factors Effecting Student Eating Decisions
There are a variety of studies dealing wit

physical activity that might offer clues into
change. For example, eating in all-you-can
ing/eating high-fat junk foods were found
freshman weight gain (Levitsky, Halbmai
Increased independence from family, bing
lowing alcohol/drug use, sleep deprivation an
suggested as factors to explore in understand
sions (Nelson et al. 2009), however, the autho
has explored these issues. Cluskey and Grobe
men in their study agreed that environmenta
eating behaviors and the challenge of establish
lifestyles were completely unanticipated by t
freshmen in the Cluskey and Grobe study
routines that they previously had before com

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Residence of college student was found

physical activity, with off-campus studen
higher level of energy from protein and
those students living on campus (Brevard
might be the types of food students keep
estimated that the average number of cal
freshmen is 22,888 (Nelson and Story 200
students had salty snacks, cereal or grano
candy, and sugar-sweetened beverages in
dorm room that had been purchased by paren
caloric and fat content than items purcha
Understanding portion size recommenda
leading to weight issues among college st
women overestimated the recommended
(Bryant and Dundes 2009).
Intentional weight control is another fa
decisions. Studies have focused on weigh
students. Lowry et al. (2000) found tha
trying to lose weight. In that study's sam
likely to be overweight than male student
to lose weight. Among college students w
54% of females and 41% of males used bo
control.
A study of the relationship between diet and physical activity in

freshmen women showed that while caloric intake among the women
decreased significantly, the young women experienced a significant
increase in body weight parameters. The authors attributed the weight
increase to decreases in total physical activity (Butler et al. 2004).
Decreases in physical activity among freshmen were also noted by
Bray and Born (2004). When compared to physical activity levels at
the end of high school to the freshman year of college, one-third of
students who were active in high school became insufficiently active as
freshmen according to US Department of Health and Human Services
(2006) standards. Twenty-three percent remained insufficiently active
and only 11% became active once at college. Similarly, Gyurcski, Bray,
and Brittain (2004) found that 47% of freshmen failed to meet national
recommendations for vigorous physical activity. College men were found
to engage in physical activity and exercise more than college women
(Buckworth and Nigg 2004).
Exercise has been shown to be positively related to psychological
health in college men but associated with both positive and negative

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psychological health for college women

Women who reported disordered eating,
higher levels of depression and anxiety, wh
dered eating, exercise was associated with p
On the whole, these studies conclude tha
is a critical time when unhealthy weigh
literature shows, many studies have docume
physical activity of college students. Som
as to sources of weight change, but as Hoff
exact causes behind these changes are unc
research.
THE STUDY
This study responds to the calls from Hoffman et al. (2006) and
et al. (2009) to explore possible causes behind freshman weight ch
The first step in understanding freshmen weight change is to und
better the day-to-day lives of freshmen and how freshmen make
decisions within the context of their daily lives. Thus, the overall r
question for this study is:
RQ: How do college freshmen make food decisions?
In exploring this question, the study will look for the internal f
(e.g., thoughts, feelings) and external factors (e.g., social determi
and environmental issues) that guide students' eating decisions as
are understood and relayed by students.
METHOD
As the goal of the research was to understand the everyday exper

freshmen had with food and eating decisions while exploring
determinants and environmental factors associated with these dec
qualitative methods were employed. Qualitative methods hav
recognized as important tools for identifying health commun
opportunities and developing effective health campaigns (Bauer, Y
and Austin 2004; Borra et al. 2003; NIH 1999).
Data were gathered in three ways. First, participants kept an
diary of their thoughts and feelings about food choices for
week period during the second semester of their first year on ca
Specifically, all participants were asked to verbally record their th

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anytime they thought about or were mak

this, each participant was given a small tap
this technique was to capture top-of-min
to the point of decision making as poss
week period, all participants were asked t
of how food fit into their day-to-day act
a chance to reflect on their food choices
gathered through the audio diaries. Finally
six study participants took part in one of
initial data analysis to help researchers co
use of the focus group interviews also all
participants about key areas identified in
Focus group participants were present
the factors (themes) that influence fresh
from the students' tapes and journals. Stu
the researchers' understandings of thes
researcher how and why (or how not and
relevant to their own experiences. Focus
the factors presented were relevant in ex
decisions at college. In addition to discuss
asked about specific lingo/terms and ot
journals that were unfamiliar to the resear
design served as a member check and was
trustworthiness of the analysis (Lincoln
The use of multiple methods to study a
way to strengthen study design (Patt
method are more vulnerable to weakne
than studies that use multiple methods in
provide cross-data validity checks. Dez
methods should be used in every investig
Unlike quantitative investigations in wh
population can be estimated via power
participants for an emergent qualitativ
ahead of the data collection. Rather, the
number of participants was information
is, additional cases were recruited until no
from participants despite having recruite
as possible (Haley 1996).
In keeping with the phenomenologic
diary and interview data were analyzed in
involves reading the diary and interview t

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and categories, developing a working s

initial cases, then modifying and refining
subsequent cases (Geotz and LeCompt 1984
not fit the initial constructs are sought t
original construction. The emphasis is on
than enumeration (Haley 1996).
RESULTS
The food and audio diary data, along with focus group discussions
from the freshmen revealed two major areas of insights: the internal and
external determinants of food choices and the various implications of
those choices on the students. Before these specific results are discussed,
a participant profile and campus environment description are provided to
better understand the context of the findings.
Participant Profile
The results of this study are based on data from 102 second semester
freshmen at a major public Southeastern university. Participants were
recruited through an advertisement placed in the campus newspaper
and flyers placed in the student center and other locations throughout
campus. Interested students underwent a brief interview and completed a
demographic profile to determine eligibility. Specific inclusion criteria
were identified as follows: first-time freshman, age 18-20 years, and
willingness to fulfill study requirements for two weeks. Specifically,
participants were 47% female, 28% non-White, and approximately 41%
gained, 10% lost, and 33% maintained their weight during the first
semester. Others reported weight fluctuations during their first semester
on campus (Appendix 1).
Campus Environment
At the university used for data collection, enrollment is approximately

26,800 students, composed of 51% females and 49% males. The
university has a 16% minority enrollment and encompasses students from
all fifty states. In terms of enrollment by home state, the state in which
the university resides ranks first, followed by three surrounding states
within a 250-mile radius of the campus.
In accordance with the university's on-campus residency requirement
for freshmen, the majority of freshmen are required to purchase some

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form of meal plan from the university's

of six residence halls require participat
students and parents (often at summer
designed to make life easier by providing
shops and quick retail outlets for eating
Meal plans are offered for a variety of
come with a set of rules such as standard
amounts, and locations.
Internal and External Factors Determinants on Food Choice
In exploring the research question, "How do freshmen make food

decisions?," several key themes emerged identifying internal and external
determinants on food and beverage consumption with second semester
college freshmen. As shown in Appendix 2, major themes recognized
as influencers include campus life, emotional issues, parental and family
factors, accessibility of food, consistency in consumption, and desire for
weight control.
Campus Life
Two aspects of campus life were reported to majorly impact food and
beverage consumption. These two determinants were schedule issues and
social eating.
Schedule/Time Management
With the campus life theme, many participants detailed the uneasy
transition from high school senior to first year college student. Par
ticipants described the struggles with time management, with many
participants maintaining busy schedules consisting of coursework,
extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and organizational memberships
that often hindered healthy eating habits. Some participants reported
being so busy they forgot to eat as noted in the audio diary of participant
#97, "I am one of the busiest people ever. I have a lot of organizations
and a lot of hard classes. I mean, I don't mind it because I chose to do
it. But eating is not my priority nor is sleeping. I'm sure that's not good
but that's how it has to be, for now anyways. I'll sleep and eat during
the summer" (female, age 19).
Participants reported back-to-back class schedules forcing them to
miss meal plan hours. There were many mentions of excessive alcohol
drinking, late night eating, and increased sleeping the following day.

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Participant #4 reported extreme weekend ea

over, and I believe the only thing I ate was
She also added, "I am extremely stressed ou
I just hope I keep healthy" (female, age 19,
Changes in personal scheduling seemed
for many of the participants. In her audio d
"And like every night I stay up late, and I e
then the next morning, I feel so nauseous...
my main problems" (female, age 18).
Social Eating
Food and beverage consumption with peers
and off campus were often found shown as
eating behaviors. In her audio diary, partici
my cousin. She is my best friend, but she h
ever seen. And whenever I am around her, I
just can't say no" (female, age 18). Participan
pressure that led to added unhealthy food c
went to Baskin Robbins, and I got like a hu
my friends wanted ice cream, too... we stop
way back. And, um, they got food, and I ju
the Hershey chocolate pies... And after my
full" (female, age 18, food diary). Others rep
control by praising themselves for overcom
choice and peer influence in pressuring si
#11 reports, "I went to Kroger after classe
watching my friends buy PopTarts, donut h
but I walked out of there empty handed" (a
Participants detailed the challenges of li
eating with roommates on different schedu
sleeping often times trumped class attendan
in his audio diary, "I just got home from w
Tooth and got a thing of raspberry sorbet be
and she was getting it, and it sounded g
can read, the complexities of social eating s
college setting.
Emotional Issues
As noted previously, the first year at college can be an overwhelming

time period for many students. Transitioning from a traditional family

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setting to being on one's own can illicit

among young people. In his audio diary
"Half the time it seems I eat by myself
somebody there that I know that I can si
(age 19). Participants reported several e
dietary consumption. Boredom, loneliness
consistently given as reasons for eating.
this concern with a statement in her audi
cause when I am bored or when I am not
and snack. But I am trying not to eat beca
like I always do" (female, age 18). Particip
diary, "I was super stressed the entire da
get back to campus without my phone.' I
with my parents and friends. All I wante
had a big bacon cheeseburger, French fri
tasted really good then" (female, age 18).
Some participants acknowledged a lack o
consumption, as reported in a food diary
finished eating 20 or 30 pretzels and choc
that were sitting on my desk. I wasn't re
(male, age 20). Another interesting emoti
number food diary entries was the justif
on rewarding oneself. Participant #11 exp
work I did today" (female, age 18).
Parental and Family Factors
The determinant of parents and other f

ring theme. Parents and other family me
consumption in a variety of ways—from
the student to gain more food and bevera
to enabling over consumption on weeke
members seemed to play a key role in die
#4 provided an example of the influence
She writes, "So, I am glad I get to go hom
up" (age 19). Other participants highligh
unhealthy eating or overconsumption whe
After visiting her cousin's house, particip
I completely blew it with the healthy eat
horribly there. I guess it's because I don't
room" (female, age 18, food diary).

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There were several mentions of parents and

visiting campus to take the student out f
participants simply reported a strong prefer
mom or dad when compared to options provi
locations. Participant #97 stated in her audio
eat healthy. And when I go home, I eat a lo
It's just because the availability of the food h
I'll probably just have to wait till summer to
that I am used to" (age 19).
Accessibility of Food
The theme of accessibility of food comprise

ipants reported as hindering their food choice
faced with small budgets for food, especially w
purchased one of the meal plan options availa
lems associated with prepurchased meal plans
"I didn't have time to eat breakfast this morn
meal plan for lunch, so I didn't get to go eat
(male, age 18, food diary). With the purchase
given specific time frames of food availabilit
campus. In addition, participant #46 noted pr
writing, "Around 5:30 p.m. I fell asleep and b
ner meal plan was long over... not a nutrit
food diary). Balancing time management is
terias and retail outlets are open can often le
the need to purchase food off campus in mo
When eating off campus, the majority of par
for cheap food in making the selection of w
#98 writes, "Taco Bell is like my favorite
hadn't eaten all day, and it's cheap and it sou
food diary). In a few instances, details of f
campus) definitely swayed consumption. In h
#46 reports, "I called my boyfriend to see if
They're giving free combo meals to college k
cards. I went yesterday, too" (age 18).
Consistency in Consumption
Consistency in both the taste and quality of

as negative determinants for on-campus

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Participants outlined measures to overcome

campus with eating off campus and eating w
members being the two most chosen opt
negative when illustrating the selection of f
provides this explanation in his audio diary
in the selection of food... What I really
something that doesn't taste like horseshit
is virtually impossible" (male, age 18). Part
needs were particularly vocal about the
campus. Participant #97 explains, "I'm ve
limit what I eat a lot cause the food here
in the vegetarian department. And if it is,
(female, age 19, food diary). Going beyond
negatively portrayed the taste of menu items.
food diary, "I definitely don't get enough
are way too soggy or salty, or both, very u
However, a few participants expressed
consistency of food choice—whether the f
good or consistently poor—some studen
"creatures of habit" and appreciated the co
They described that they "knew what to ex
Desire for Weight Control
There were many instances of the dete

reported, with many participants citing ph
means to assist in weight management. The
responses as noted below.
Not surprisingly, many of the second s
ticipants felt pressure to maintain their w
men 15" weight increase at all costs. Alth
edged an awareness of eating unhealthy
ally consuming, some students simply ex
ipating in physical activity more often. M
conscious effort to balance eating and ac
As noted by participant #4, "I need to g
ing out again! Because when I do, I eat b
audio diary).
Some participants displayed negative body
physical activity and food consumption. The
the negativity as a catalyst for more activi

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SUMMER 2011 VOLUME 45. NUMBER 2 317
"Let me just start of saying that I love eatin

obsessed with working out. If I miss a day
even if I did eat healthy during the day" (f
Another participant expressed extreme con
and body image. Participant #92 writes in
felt very negative about my body after sitt
two hours so I ran a mile and did about 2
better but disappointed in how out of shape
male participants showcased stereotypical w
reporting that only females worry about co
says, "My food involvement tonight invo
chocolate cake, which I don't feel guilty abo
worry about that" (male, age 19, audio diary
Still, a few participants reported major st
while in college. These students could be
displayed meticulous behavior about managi
taining high physical fitness standards for d
#44 writes in his food diary, "I take an ass
as multivitamins, creatines... I try to eat lo
day until my workout for energy, and then
my workout... I eat/take supplements all the
keep up with" (age 19). Several men in the s
gain weight through diet and weight lifting.
Implications of Food Consumption Decisions

Thus far, the results have detailed the inter
and desire for weight control) and external
food accessibility and consistency) that shap
decisions. The data also reveal important im
and decisions in the students' daily lives (Ap
A Negative Cycle of Poor Sleep Habits and J

It is clear in the student diaries that many
in a negative cycle of food decisions that
and emotional health. As mentioned earlier i
managing schedules is a major issue that
them into a self-destructive cycle. For exam
group data revealed that dorm life was by n
that even if they wanted to go to sleep ear
and noisy, that it was difficult to go to sle
students report staying up even later.

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With the late nights come many social eat

snacking or pizza delivery, etc. Female p
apparently I forgot to eat today. Like a
recently either. So eventually at l:20ish I f
the dorm... Peer pressure is kind of a b
drunk munchies later" (age 18, audio diar
late night food choices lead some student
would either not sleep well or oversleep,
hours and even class. This would put them
negatively impact the next day's eating. Pa
last night, I got up late and didn't mak
through it, 'cause I was really tired... and
though I was hungry" (male, age unclear, f
Poor eating and sleeping patterns were re
health issues. In many diaries, students repo
after late night eating episodes, not to men
participant #6 reports, "I was really tired
and I got a burrito... but it made me fe
going to eat that much today because I
late night partying. But it is the weekend,
don't usually eat a lot on the weekends cau
I am out all night. So hopefully I won't be
me, which usually happens late at night. W
go get fast food and stuff that is not good
Participant #62 adds in her audio diary, "I
but I forced myself to get out of bed and s
10. I felt kinda nauseous so I didn't eat b
Students often reported missing classes o
these morning illnesses. Participant #45
bed at 4 in the morning again, damn... I di
or work out after class. I was so tired. I fe
have to drop chemistry. I felt so bad I just
(male, age 18, audio diary). The physical illn
the diaries to emotional health issues. Th
missing classes and meal times seemed to
turn, leads some students to stress-related ea
#4 writes, "I definitely have been eating c
also been very stressed out, worried my gra
I can tell I am gaining weight" (female, age

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A Positive Cycle of Choices
However, results show that there are studen

in food decisions. From their day-to-day acc
diaries, it is clear that students who are mak
also successful in other aspects of university l
writes, "Today for dinner I believe I'm jus
sandwich and a salad and a Sprite to drink
that, as I usually do because that fits in pret
and getting a salad is cause I pretty much
green to eat. I will probably end up going bac
that I have two tests to go and study for.
time if I eat and study and what not" (ma
a very mature entry to his food diary, pa
is something I discovered as the driving fo
guess, is apathy. I passed by all of the food o
about grabbing a snack, but then I was like
freshmen effectively manage their schedules
inclusive of eating habits, are goal oriented,
for dealing with schedule conflicts/issues and
DISCUSSION
In summary, this study provides needed insight into the rea

behind freshmen weight issues by inductively examining various in
and external factors that relate to freshmen food choices. Food and
audio diaries and post-focus group interviews revealed that students ar
generally knowledgeable about what foods are healthy or unhealthy
However, issues freshmen face when dealing with food are strong
related to general life issues such as effectively coping with schedules,
stress, illness, academic and social success. The study provides a picture
of freshmen life grounded in day-to-day experiences of freshmen
relayed by freshmen. As such, the study can provide grounding for futu
academic work as well as intervention/education programs designed to
deal with freshmen weight issues.
Importance of Social Networks
This study revealed that social eating was one reason student
participated in more eating events. Students often reported going to e
because their friends were going to eat, despite the fact that the student

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were not hungry or had just eaten. Som

even though people may eat more or le
the amount of food they consume at m
overfeeding by reducing overall food int
true, it would mean that students are no
eating more overall given that the norm
remains the same regardless of how man
The same research shows that people incr
proportionally to the amount of food they
offered and the number of people with w
Friends can contribute to physical ac
support has been shown to be a predictor f
both male and female college students (W
social forces that may increase students e
to encourage exercise among college stude
tend to do what their friends are doing. I
eat; if their friends exercise, they exercis
Education/intervention programs may
these social influences through social
influence of other students, successful stu
to manage food and other aspects of univ
networking sites. College students and
social networking sites such as Faceboo
peers or "friends." As colleges and univers
these social media outlets in introducing p
or to drive participation in student cam
educational institutions could drive positiv
activity with pro-student health group pa
students with a connection to others stru
and the transition from high school and c
support system in overcoming the difficu
Family Influences
Findings from this study show strong supp

the food consumption taking place with c
parents and other family members, such a
and cousins, were found to be both pos
Parents and older family members can pro
means of treating students to dinner out
"stocking up" on food and beverages whe

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noted parents as offering to "cook anything I

"mom cooks all of my favorites when I go hom
On the negative side, previous research ha
parents provide students are not always healthy
found that food items purchased by parents
dorm rooms were higher in calories and fat th
by the students themselves. The types of food
reported parents' buying for them seems to sup
Also, students in this study reported overea
parents.
Another negative influence of family is that college freshmen often
compare meal plan food offerings to that of a parent making the transition
to menu selections quite difficult, and at times, quite unappealing.
Students voice concern over how they like certain food items prepared
and how they did not find the same consistency in preparation with
options found on campus making it difficult, especially for picky eaters,
to eat while at college.
Suggestions for balancing the role of parents in food consumption
can be made. Although it is vital for most college freshmen to maintain
contact and communication with parents during the uneasy transition,
parents also should understand that their children need to made mistakes
in order to learn from them. The term "helicopter parents" (Cline
and Fay 1990) has been used to describe hovering parents of the
millennial generation. In particular, as these millennials enroll in college,
intrusive parents are of concern with some providing daily wake-up
calls and showing distaste toward professors for grades. These same
students face trouble at college and oftentimes "blame others for bad
outcomes that result from neglecting responsibilities or making poor
choices" (Fortin 2008). Eating and activities behaviors begin long before
these students attend college. Parents should feel confident in their
knowledge and allow these students to make knowledgeable decisions
while still providing a comfortable consumption setting when visiting
home.
Managing Busy Schedules and Weight
Getting control of schedules seems to be a major issue for freshmen.

The many reports of missing dining hall hours suggest that for this
particular campus, dining hall hours are not conducive to students' varied
and hectic schedules. However, changing dining hall hours will have cost
implications for a university in terms of staffing. Given the students'

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schedules, 24-hour dining halls might see

position might be to have continuous hou
or some such arrangement, so that studen
meals when campus dining halls are close
One environmental aspect of student l
prove even harder to control is the late n
least one major fast food marketer (Tac
night aspect of young people's lives and
dining at their restaurant as "the four
universities should consider is whether o
itating unhealthy dorm schedules as wa
study. For the campus studied, there are n
late night activities. Although curfews, q
might seem old fashioned, an advantage to
allow those dorm residents who want to
to do so.
Communication/education programs such as freshmen seminars that

deal with campus life issues should also deal with food choice issues.
Some research has indicated that academic reward structures can be
successful in encouraging students to regularly participate in physical
activity (DeVahl, King, and Williamson 2005). It may be that an
academic incentive program for eating could be developed along the
same lines. Another option would be for the on-campus food service
provider to provide incentives or nutritional programs for healthy
eating within the college freshmen population. Providing social eating
atmospheres promoting healthy dietary options could be vital in the
struggles of food choice. Educating college freshman about the health
benefits of a nutritious breakfast and balanced meal schedule could
assist in knowledge of what to eat and what not to eat. The on
line services of weight control programs such as "Weight Watchers"
and "Nutrisystem" might serve as models for developing computer
mediated tools to help students deal with schedules, eating and physical
activity.
Such tools could also help those students who express a desire for
weight control. As expected from previous research, many students
in this study were attempting to lose weight, particularly women.
However, the strategies for weight control many women reported in
this study would not be considered healthy (e.g., eating only "Teddy
Grahams" cereal, or saving calories for drinking episodes). Clearly, some
young women need help in understanding healthy ways to control their
weight.

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A unique finding in this study is that many

trying to gain weight as a way to develo
Previous research on freshman weight issues
gain was bad and intentional. However, in t
is intentional and could be considered po
women, these young men could also use hel
ways to add weight through eating choices,
might related to quicker fixes such as weig
supplements.
Whether it is managing schedules of m
findings of the study suggest that it might
student peers in the authoritative role, p
healthy behavior. The data in this study dem
influence on eating behavior for this group.
Proximity to Exercise Facilities and G
Beyond educating students about schedu

coping strategies for dealing with campus l
this study has implications for the physi
ronments in at least two areas. Providing qu
proximity to a full-service grocery can impa
health.
In addressing physical activity, previou

students who live near quality exercise facilit
longer and more intensely than students wh
facilities near their residences (Reed and Phi
and sophomores were found to engage in
their residences and participated in three m
than juniors and seniors. The presence of
campuses may be of benefit to freshmen.
Proximity to grocery stores in general has
weight issues. Specifically, the presence of
with a lower prevalence of obesity and overw
of convenience stores was associated with a
and overweight (Morland, Roux, and Wi
impact on college students as well and deserv
this study reported difficulty in finding hea
their rooms or as an alternative to dining ha
The only option for on-campus grocerie
store on campus. The nearest full-service gr

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or bus ride. At the same time, some universities such as the one in
this study have brought fast food restaurants to campus in food court
settings as part of student meal plan options. As campuses attempt
to deal with freshmen nutrition, it might be advantageous to consider
student access to a quality grocery store as a strategy for campus
planning.
CONCLUSION
As with any research, this study is not without limitations. Altho

the study does not have statistical generalizability, the insights ma
applicable to other similar contexts. For this study, the specific con
is on-campus freshmen at a public university and the results sh
be read within that limitation. Other campus contexts might pr
different results and future work should examine other contexts such as
private schools or universities/colleges with strict dorm policies such as
"lights out" times and visitation restrictions. The study also addresses
only freshmen issues. Clearly there is room to replicate this type of work
at other college grade levels and other key transitional periods in life
such as the transition from college to the work force.
Despite its limitation, this study provides insights into how internal
factors such as emotional issues and desire for weight control work within
the context of a myriad of external factors such as campus life, schedule
issues, the social forces of friends and family, food availability and
consistency can influence day-to-day food choices for college freshmen.
The extended data collection methods gave researchers the opportunity
to see the cycles of food choices that have not been documented in
past research, and allowed researchers to see how food choice issues
relate to other important life issues facing freshmen. The study found
examples of some students who were unsuccessfully and some who were
successfully managing these factors in their daily lives. Understanding
food decisions within the larger context of negative and positive decision
cycles illustrated in this study can help educators, campus administrators,
health professionals and parents understand how to support students in
making healthy eating decisions, and what barriers and opportunities
currently exist for college freshmen in attempting to establish and
maintain a healthy lifestyle. Given the importance of peers to students,
positive and negative student cases from the data could also be used
to show current freshmen the mistakes and successes of other freshmen
in navigating daily food decisions and the larger positive and negative
implications of those decisions.

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APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1
Sample Characteristics (TV = 102)
Demographic Group
Female 47.1
Male 52.9
Age
17 years 1.0
18 years 48.4
19 years 47.4
20 years 3.2
Race/ethnicity
Black or African American 19.0
Hispanic/Latino 1.0
White/Caucasian 72.1
Asian 1.0
Multiracial 5.2
Other 2.1
Self-reported weight status during first semester
Lost weight 10.4
Gained weight 41.6
Maintained weight 33.3
Lost, then gained weight 6.5
Gained, then lost weight 5.2

Lost, then maintained weight 1.0
Fluctuated weight 2.0
APPENDIX 2
Influences of Food Choice
Campus life Busy schedules, new-found independence, missing meal plan

hours, excessive drinking, late night eating, increased sleep,
peer influence, long hours of studying, all-you-can-eat buffets
Emotional issues Boredom, loneliness, unhappiness, making new friends, stress,
rewarding oneself with food
Parental and family factors Overconsumption on weekends, "stocking up" behaviors,
comparing meal plan food options with home-cooked meals,
having healthier food opportunities while at home
Accessibility of food Small food budgets other than meal plans, specific times for
eating on meal plans, food availability throughout campus,
lack of healthy options, lack of fruits and vegetables,
difficulties associated with being a picky eater
Consistency in consumption Bad taste of foods, inconsistent quality of food preparation,
disappointing selection, eating the same menu items by habit
Weight control Pressure to maintain weight, worries about the "freshmen 15,"
awareness of consuming unhealthy foods, wanting to
participate in physical activities more often, body image
issues, overcoming peer pressures, body building techniques,
ultra-fit lifestyle

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APPENDIX 3
Implications of Food Choice
Physical health Weight gain, weight loss, feeling sick, missing classes, workouts, and mea
plan hours, increased sleep, nocturnal schedules, poor eating choices,
excessive drinking, eating late at night
Mental health Feeling stress due to bad grades, lack of eating, too much sleep,
depression, loneliness, missing home, sleep problems
Emotional health Sickness, anxiety, depression, loss of appetite, emotional eating, excessiv
drinking to numb emotions
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Insights into University Freshman Weight Issues and How They Make Decisions About

Stable URL: https://www.jstor.org/stable/23859818

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COURTNEY CARPENTER CHILDERS,

Insights into University Freshman Weight Issues and

From a life-course perspective, the time period when traditionally aged

Previous research about college freshmen and weight gain—of

Courtney Carpenter Childers (childers@utk.edu) is an Assistant Professor of Advertising

The Journal of Consumer Affairs, Summer 2011: 306-328

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physical activity (Bray and Born 2004; Graha

How Much Weight Change and Wh

Several studies of freshmen men and wom

Factors Effecting Student Eating Decisions

There are a variety of studies dealing wit

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Residence of college student was found

A study of the relationship between diet and physical activity in

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psychological health for college women

RQ: How do college freshmen make food decisions?

As the goal of the research was to understand the everyday exper

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anytime they thought about or were mak

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and categories, developing a working s

At the university used for data collection, enrollment is approximately

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form of meal plan from the university's

Internal and External Factors Determinants on Food Choice

In exploring the research question, "How do freshmen make food

This content downloaded from

Participant #4 reported extreme weekend ea

As noted previously, the first year at college can be an overwhelming

This content downloaded from

setting to being on one's own can illicit

Parental and Family Factors

The determinant of parents and other f

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There were several mentions of parents and

The theme of accessibility of food comprise

Consistency in both the taste and quality of

This content downloaded from

Participants outlined measures to overcome

Desire for Weight Control

There were many instances of the dete

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"Let me just start of saying that I love eatin

Implications of Food Consumption Decisions

A Negative Cycle of Poor Sleep Habits and J

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With the late nights come many social eat

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A Positive Cycle of Choices

However, results show that there are studen

In summary, this study provides needed insight into the rea

Importance of Social Networks

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were not hungry or had just eaten. Som

Findings from this study show strong supp

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noted parents as offering to "cook anything I

Managing Busy Schedules and Weight

Getting control of schedules seems to be a major issue for freshmen.