This weight gain could increase the risk of students for developing Type II diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, commonly known consequences of obesity. Especially troublesome about obesity among college students is that it often lowers self-esteem and hinders academic performance. "Given these observations, it is becoming increasingly important to determine exact social and environmental factors that may increase a person's risk for gaining weight," said Hoffman.
Policastro has simple recommendations to offer students who want to prevent weight gain. These include cutting calories by choosing a salad instead of chips or fruit instead of ice cream, combined with increasing exercise by walking between campuses instead of riding a bus, exercising during study breaks, or joining an intramural sports team.
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Contact: Michele Hujber
hujber@aesop.rutgers.edu
732-932-7000 x4204
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
6-Feb-2006