Introduction

1. A Campus-wide Investigation to Determine College Students’ Awareness of Current Dietary and Physical Activity Guidelines. Luis Cruz, Laura Douglas, & Kirsten Gail Nunez Department of Human Ecology, SUNY-College at Oneonta Faculty Sponsor: Erik Lind, Ph.D. Department of Physical Education • Introduction • Recent findings from the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II survey noted the following results: • 55.3% reported being “about the right weight”; 30.2% reported being “slightly overweight”; 4.7% reported being “very overweight” • 49.4% reported trying to lose weight • 24.2% reported performing no moderate-intensity physical activity; 9.2% reported performing moderate-intensity physical activity 5 days per week • 41.4% reported performing no vigorous-intensity physical activity; 11.3% reported performing vigorous-intensity physical activity 3 days per week • 35% and 51.5% reported dieting or exercising, respectively, to lose weight within the last 30 days • When asked whether they had received information on nutrition and physical activity: • 54.8% reported receiving information on nutrition • 60.8% reported receiving information on physical activity • When asked whether they would want to receive information on nutrition and physical activity: • 59.9% reported they would want information on nutrition • 55.5% reported they would want information on physical activity • Collectively, these recent findings seem to suggest that of the students surveyed, nearly: • 1/3 are overweight or obese • 1/2 are trying to lose weight, and anywhere from 35% to 52% have tried either dieting or exercise to do so • 2/3 have received or are interested in receiving information on nutrition and/or physical activity • It is clear that there exists an interest in obtaining information related to diet and physical activity among college-aged students. Moreover, these behaviors are used for the purpose of weight management or weight loss. However, it remains unclear whether college-aged students are conversant with current dietary and physical activity guidelines sufficient to achieve these goals. Rationale for the Study Based on the 2008 findings of the ACHA-NCHA II survey, the proposed study will attempt to determine the current practices and awareness of college-aged students at SUNY-Oneonta with regards to their current dietary and physical activity behaviors, patterns, and recommended guidelines. Methods Participants: College-aged students currently attending SUNY-Oneonta Assessment: Survey-based assessment sent via campus email to current student s with an active college email address (name@oneonta.edu). • Sample Survey Questions • Diet: • Based on the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range, what is the appropriate amount of fat if trying to lose weight? • Up to 20% • 20-35% • 36-50% • 51-75% • Over 75% • Physical Activity: • According to the American College of Sports Medicine, how frequently should an individual perform moderate-intensity physical activity each week? • At least 1 day • At least 2 days • At least 3 days • At least 4 days • At least 5 days • At least 6 days • At least 7 days Implications College is a time when students are faced with a multitude of health-related choices met with new found independence. Establishing healthy dietary and physical activity habits during college is essential to preventing the onset of poor physical health that typically befalls post-graduates. With this information, the college can begin to institute programs and instruction to provide students with lifelong knowledge on the current dietary and physical activity guidelines and hopefully contribute to our students living a long, healthy, happy life.