Osong Public Health Res Perspect.
2021 Apr;12(2):96-104. 10.24171/j.phrp.2021.12.2.07.
Sex differences in weight perception and weight gain among Black college students in the USA
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Food and Nutrition, Kunsan National University, Gunsan, Korea
- 2College of Education and Health Sciences, Touro University, Vallejo, CA, USA
- 3Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- 4Department of Human Performance and Sport Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN, USA
- 5Department of Kinesiology, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD, USA
- 6Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
- 7Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- KMID: 2515719
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.24171/j.phrp.2021.12.2.07
Abstract
Objectives
The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence of overweight/obesity and to explore sex differences in body weight perceptions and correlates of weight gain among Black students at 2 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the USA.
Methods
Participants completed a paper-based survey, and their height and weight were measured (67% completion rate).
Results
The overweight and obesity rates were 33.8% and 26.9%, respectively. More females than males accurately assessed their weight (p < 0.05). Body weight underestimation was associated with male sex, excellent/very good perceived overall health, and not being informed by a doctor of having overweight or obesity (p <0.01). Higher odds of ≥5% weight gain were related to female sex, living on campus, and not being informed by a doctor of having overweight or obesity (p <0.05).
Conclusion
Given the high overweight and obesity rates among Black students, HBCUs in the USA should develop intervention strategies for the prevention and management of overweight and obesity. College health educators at HBCUs need to provide regular check-ups or health screenings that help male students perceive their weight accurately and prevent weight underestimation. It is important for HBCUs to monitor and address weight gain among Black students as early as possible.
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