Psychological distress and obesity risk among U.S. college students: Social context and lifestyle behaviors of diet, physical activity, and sleep.

Abstract

The unique social context of college predisposes students to higher level of psychological distress that affects their health behaviors and obesity risk. This study examined social context, lifestyle behaviors of diet, physical activity, and sleep in the association between psychological distress and BMI. Participants from a large public university in Southern California (N = 690, 70.4% female, Mage = 22.15) completed an in-class survey and 7-day at-home food questionnaire. Results indicated that higher level of distress was associated with unhealthy diet, less physical activity, and poor sleep quality. Gender stratified analyses showed significant distress × sleep interaction with BMI among males, and living in fraternity housing associated with less physical activity. Among females, sorority membership and living in dorms associated with unhealthy diet. Future research and behavioral interventions should consider the unique social context of college, and design intervention strategies that aim to lower psychological distress and improve sleep quality.