Holiday Weight Change in a US College Student Sample: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Abstract

Objective: The November through January holiday period is often thought to produce weight gain, coined “holiday weight gain.” While this trend has been documented among early to midlife adults, it is less certain whether college students experience similar levels of weight gain during this period, as they undergo lifestyle changes (e.g., returning to their families of origin) that may differ from adults at later stages of development. Thus, the primary aim of the current study was to determine body weight and body composition changes during the holiday season in college students. The secondary aim was to examine the association of psychosocial variables with primary outcomes. Methods: Participants included 47 undergraduate students. Body weight, body composition, and psychosocial variables were measured prior to Thanksgiving break and after returning from December to January break. Differences in body weight and body composition variables were determined using paired-sample t-tests. Associations of psychosocial variables with changes in primary outcomes were determined by Spearman's correlation coefficients and linear regressions. Results: On average, college students experienced a 1.08% increase in body weight between study visit 1 in November and study visit 2 in January (0.74 ± 1.81 kg; p = 0.02). Lean mass increased (1.49 ± 3.21 kg; p = 0.01), while body fat % did not change (p = 0.12). Psychosocial variables were not significantly associated with or predictive of changes in body weight or body fat % (p's > 0.05). Conclusions: College students gained a small, yet significant, amount of weight over the holiday period. Weight gain occurred alongside increases in lean mass but not body fat. Results provide important context to previous findings observing weight gain in college students and adults over the holiday season. Specifically, findings indicate a healthy increase in lean mass—a potential promotive factor in optimal health and wellbeing.