Obesity-relevant behaviors: Patterns and correlates in a Hispanic college sample.

TL;DRAbstract

35 Objective Obesity rates in Hispanic groups and the role of lifestyle factors warrant the investigation of multiple health behaviors for prevention and intervention aims. Patterns and correlates of exercise and dietary behaviors were examined in Hispanic college students. Participants and Methods 40 Data were collected from 693 Hispanic undergraduate students during fall 2006 and spring 2007 semesters. Participants completed questionnaires for three health behaviors (exercise, dietary fat, and fruit/vegetable stages of change) along with demographic, psychosocial, and acculturation measures. Results 45 Less than 1% of students had 0 obesity-relevant risks, while 68% indicated 2 or more risks. Only 2% of the sample met fruit and vegetable guidelines. Lower income was associated with greater obesity-relevant risks, while stress coping ability was associated with fewer such risks. Conclusions These findings indicate high levels of specific obesity risk behaviors in Hispanic college 50 s

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