Does self perceived weight influence Ithaca College students behavior?

1. Does self perceived weight influence Ithaca College students behavior? Lindsay Domion, Craig Parkes, Alex McConville. Epidemiology/Stat Class of ‘12 J.J. Whalen Academic Symposium April 11, 2012 - Ithaca College

2. Rationale • Self-perception of weight appropriateness is an important component of eating and weight-loss behaviors (Chang & Christakis, 2003). • 35% of college students overweight/obese & 46% of students reported they were trying to lose weight (Lowry et al, 2000). • 36% of adults and 17% of children/adolescents in the United States are overweight (CDC, 2009). • Combined approach of healthy diet, exercise and behavior modifications is a recommended intervention

3. Methods • Investigate relationship between weight perception and its influence on students actions towards their weight. • Pearson (r) correlation between self perceived weight and behavior regarding weight gain, loss and management. • Hypothesis: Students who perceive themselves to be overweight will take action to lose weight. • Alternative Hypothesis: Students who perceive themselves to be overweight will take no action to lose weight.

4. Results Fig 2: Number of weight loss approaches take 0-4 score. Fig 1: Action taken based on perceived weight.

5. Results • Students weight perception and the action taken to lose weight r(1220) = .51, p<.01 • Students weight perception and their methods of losing weight r(1207) = .36, p<.01

6. Discussion • Our hypothesis • Accept • Students will take action towards weight loss based on their self perceived weight • Target students who fail to take action = Program

7. Program Recommendations • Health Seminars • Healthy eating, eating disorders, counseling, support groups, education-based • Healthier food options • Dining halls, café • Proposed Program = Healthy Lifestyle Online Survey