The Characterization of Normal Weight Obesity in College Students

Abstract

Kara Christen Anderson: The Characterization of Normal Weight Obesity in College Students (Under the direction of Abbie Smith-Ryan) The present study sought to characterize normal weight obesity (NWO) in a sample of undergraduate college students (n=94) with measures of body composition, cardiometabolic markers, and lifestyle questionnaires. Individuals were identified as NWO based on total body fat percentage (BF%) cutoffs of: NHANES 25 th BF% percentile, NHANES 50 th BF% percentile, and values established by Heo et al. Results were compared between NWO and normal weight lean (NWL) groups of the total sample, along with sex specific cohorts. Results indicated that the NWO occurrence ranged from 8-30%, with a higher occurrence in males. NWO individuals had higher fat mass, trunk fat, visceral fat, and larger waist to hip ratio than NWL. NWO also engaged in less vigorous physical activity and had fewer problems related to alcohol. It is apparent that NWO exists in a college population; more research is needed to fully understand the immediate and long-term implications of this prevalence. who volunteered their time to participate in this study. Lastly, I want to thank my advisor, Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan, for pushing me to make this thesis the best it could be. She helped me cultivate this idea into fruition, and her guidance throughout this and all my other endeavors at UNC is much appreciated. v TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES .