An opportunity to combat obesity lies in the at-risk college population

Abstract

Purpose Approximately 70% of United States [or U.S.] adults are either overweight or obese. Obesity increases the risk of chronic disease and strains healthcare access, quality, and cost. Weight gain occurs in college students threatening optimal weight maintenance. Physical activity is fundamental to preventing disease. College students incur multiple challenges in weight management. The purpose of the article is to describe the opportunity for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to intentionally become wellness promoters. Data sources The literature was reviewed and interventions developed. Guided by Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory, focus was concentrated on environmental influences through a proposed Staying Active Campaign (SAC). Conclusions College students are a vulnerable population at risk for unhealthful practices. Young adulthood is a critical period of weight gain that carries risk for later adulthood. College students desire and require assistance for successful weight management. Interventions can be directed by APRNs to achieve healthful weight management and create a campus‐wide culture that reinforces healthful practices. Implications for practice Obesity in the college population is a twofold circumstance. Action by APRNs is needed to address obesity and advocate for the prevention of future obesity. The SAC decreases the confounding college environment and supports the students’ ability to be physically active while establishing personal lifelong behaviors to emulate and share with others.

Associations between white blood cells count and obesity in apparently healthy young adults

“…The national study has been considered overweight as a health problem in Iran (Janghorbani et al, 2007). It is important to note that many people at this age (18-25 years of age) endure changes in their lifestyle such as going to college (Swanson, 2016), marriage (Liao et al, 2018), pregnancy experience (Mamun et al, 2018) and start work (Linne et al, 2003). These changes may lead to obesity, and thus, more attention should be paid to managing weight in young people.…”

Improve Health through Understanding Nutrition Labels

“…Since 1975, the worldwide rate of obesity has tripled causing an epidemic (Swanson et al, 2016;World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). Obesity does not discriminate but instead affects all genders, age groups, and ethnicities across the world.…”

“…Many young adults have an increase in personal autonomy (including making their dietary decisions), an increase in responsibility, and an increased need for time management skills (Abraham et al, 2018;Christoph et al, 2015). This transitional period forces adolescents to start forming their routines and preferences, which can continue into adulthood (Christoph et al, 2015;Pope et al, 2017;Swanson, 2016).…”

“…Establishing healthy eating habits during college is critical (Abraham et al, 2018). However, if a decrease in healthy eating habits and an increase in weight gain is achieved during this period, it is predicted that these habits will follow adolescents into adulthood which can be challenging to change once established (Abraham et al, 2018;Pope et al, 2017;Swanson, 2016). Unfortunately, college students do not consume these daily recommendations.…”

“…Unfortunately, college students do not consume these daily recommendations. Since this is the first time that most college students are living away from home, many develop poor eating habits due to university dining halls, access to unhealthy foods, the consumption of a limited variety of foods, an increase in sugar-sweetened beverages, and an increase in alcohol consumption (Baum, 2016;Luger et al, 2018;Swanson, 2016;Vadeboncoeur et al, 2016).…”