Body Weight Changes and Associated Social Factors in Newly Recruited Students at a Mexican Public University.

Abstract

Introduction: The transition from high school to college involves lifestyle changes that can lead to increased body weight, a phenomenon commonly referred to as the Freshman 15. Although educational settings may differ across countries, this period could also present a risk of weight gain.

Objective: To determine the weight gain in Mexican students during the transition from high school to a public university and identify the primary associated modifiable factors.

Methods: Two hundred twenty-six students of both sexes, aged 17-21 years, were evaluated at the beginning and end of the first semester. Anthropometric characteristics, lifestyle habits, and self-perceived stress were analyzed. Intra-subject differences were assessed using the general linear model with repeated measures, and categorical variables were evaluated using non-parametric tests.

Results: A significant weight increase of 0.8 kg was observed regardless of sex. Adolescents who ate under 20 min or lived in a rooming house without appliances exhibited the highest weight gain. Regression analyses revealed that female sex (β = -0.929, p = 0.008) and eating time of 21 min or more (β = 0.756, p = 0.050) were significantly associated with body weight change. In the multiple regression model, only sex remained a significant factor (p = 0.018).

Conclusions: Weight gain in university students, especially in men, highlights this stage as a vulnerable period. It is essential to study habits and behaviors according to gender to design interventions that promote healthy eating. Further research is needed to identify modifiable factors associated with weight gain.