Survey of Dietary and Exercise Habits and Perceived Barriers to Following a Healthy Lifestyle in a College Population

Abstract

The authors assessed the diet and exercise habits and perceived barriers to following a healthy lifestyle of 471 college students. Sixty percent of the participants were female and 31% had BMIs > 25. Breakfast was the most commonly missed meal and 63% of students snacked one to two times per day. Fifty-eight percent of participants ate vegetables and 64% ate whole or canned fruit less than once per day. Men consumed more soda and alcohol and used higher fat dairy, ate more meat, and ate fewer vegetables and fruits than women. Over half of the subjects rated their diet as poor or fair with “lack of time” listed as the number one barrier to eating well. Men exercised more frequently and at greater intensity than women and were more confident with their body image. The most common barrier to exercise was “lack of time.” The results of this study have implications for the design of general and specific diet and physical activity interventions among college students.

Optimization and In Vitro Digestion of a Guava (Psidium guajava), Mamey (Pouteria sapota) and Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) Functional Beverage

“…This may explain their increased preference for the optimized beverage, since its ingredients are fruits that can be associated with numerous health benefits, while also being sweetened with stevia [ 56 ]. In the same way, it has been reported that men tend to consume more carbonated sugar-rich beverages and fewer fruits and vegetables than women, in addition to other products that can be classified as “unhealthy” [ 57 ]. Considering that male consumers reported a high purchase intention, it may be a good option to help avoid traditional sugar-rich products, thereby promoting healthier eating habits.…”

Perceived Barriers Affecting Adherence to Healthy Eating and Exercise Guidelines among Obese Active-Duty Military Personnel of the South African National Defence Force

“…This finding is similar to those reported internationally and locally for the general population. Reported barriers related to price, 309 , 310 , 311 , 312 , 313 , 314 , 315 time constraints, 316 , 317 , 318 and daily habits, 319 such as a lack of discipline. 320 Individual factors were: fondness of good food, 321 the preference for fast food or preferred food, 322 , 323 a lack of willpower 324 , 325 and peer pressure.…”

“…Reported barriers related to price, 309 , 310 , 311 , 312 , 313 , 314 , 315 time constraints, 316 , 317 , 318 and daily habits, 319 such as a lack of discipline. 320 Individual factors were: fondness of good food, 321 the preference for fast food or preferred food, 322 , 323 a lack of willpower 324 , 325 and peer pressure. 326 Studies in military populations consistently found the lack of time as a key PBHE.…”

Getting them off the Path toward Chronic Disease: Understanding One NJ Community College Students' Food Choices and Eating Habits

“…Community college students were asked questions about their daily consumption of fast food meals, sugary soft drinks, plantbased foods including vegetables and fruits, and their level of physical activity. The interview transcripts were used to help interpret the quantitative data [20][21][22].…”