Weight Management among College Females during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Analysis View PDF

^*Kameron Suire
Department Of Internal Medicine, Division Of Physical Activity And Weight Management, University Of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas, United States

^*Corresponding Author:

Kameron Suire
Department Of Internal Medicine, Division Of Physical Activity And Weight Management, University Of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas, United States
Email:kameronsuire@gmail.com

Published on: 2021-12-08

Abstract

Objective: Millions of college students are considered overweight. COVID-19 may have exacerbated this problem, therefore there is a need to examine the experiences of college students trying to manage their weight during the pandemic.

Participants: Overweight college females.

Methods: Semi-open interview were conducted after six doses of Motivational Interviewing (MI) or electronic education (control). Interpretative phenomenological analysis was utilized to analyze the experiences.

Results: Four themes emerged related to overarching struggles of COVID-19’s impact: Loss of gym access, mental struggles, boredom/stress eating, and loss of structure/living conditions. Four themes were also identified related to the intervention received i.e., MI was more remarkable, MI more notable during the shutdown, subjects receiving MI enjoyed the autonomy focus, and subjects receiving MI felt comfortable to share information.

Conclusion: Responses indicate numerous struggles related to COVID-19. These same responses point to a more positive perception of MI compared to the control group.

Keywords

Weight Management, COVID-19, College Females

Introduction

A large percentage of adults are overweight, with no signs of improvement over the last several years [1]. This is concerning for health professionals due to the various health consequences of excess weight [2]. College students are not excluded from this issue with the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II reporting almost 39% of college students considered at least overweight using self-reported height and weight [3]. This same survey also demonstrated females had higher rates of class I, II, and III obesity. Furthermore, this survey also highlighted a lack of physical activity and proper nutritional intake as factors related to weight gain in college students. Unfortunately, few interventions have demonstrated success in improving anthropometric status among college students [4]. As many college students changed environments and/or had restricted access to physical activity and nutritional intake, the COVID-19 pandemic may have negatively influenced the weight status of college students.