Promoting Physical Activity in College Students

Research

Based on the researched that have been conducted recently it was concluded that nearly more than half of the population of USA is either overweight or obese. The percentage is said to be increasing gradually since the past 15 years and beyond. It was also concluded that not only the adults were gaining weight but it was also the children who were struck with obesity at an alarming stage (17 percent). Higher percentages were also noted in the African American children as well as the Hispanic children in USA. A behavioral l Risk analysis was also conducted which concluded that individuals who range from ages 18 to 29 are said to be at higher risk when it comes to obesity related problems that is when there is transition from being an adolescent to an adult. It is the time when they start attending college. The main root cause that is behind the increasing rates in obesity is lack of physical activity, poor diet, high calorie intake along with high stress as well as disturbed sleeping patterns (Patel, pp.643). These factors are most likely to be apparent in individuals who are college going and mainly involve young adults. Obesity can further lead to a chain of diseases which can be life threatening as well since it contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome such as glucose intolerance as well as insulin resistance along with hyperlipidemia, increased abdominal fat, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases as well as high blood pressure.

If it is further analyzed it is apparent that the main cause behind all other factors is lack of physical exercise because even if the diet is improper the expected weight gain is most likely to be stopped by proper exercising. It is also said that stress can be countered by physical exercise considering that exercising leads to the release of endorphins which are also said to be feel-good neurotransmitters (Serlachius, pp.548).

Current Scenario

Recent studies have also shown that the there are around 20 to 35 percent of college students who are said to be overweight based on the body mass index however it was also revealed that around 60 to 70 percent of the students belonging to the undergraduates are said to be at a healthy weight but at the same time are prone to obesity if they do not continue maintaining as well as sustaining their healthy lifestyle (Racette, pp.245).

The research also concluded that despite the growing numbers in obesity and health risk there are only 40 percent of the people who are keen on exercising and keeping themselves healthy. And there are around 30 percent of the people who don't exercise and neither is involved in sports. This in turn communicates that more than half of the entire college does not exercise and do not meet the minimum requirement of 15 minutes of physical exercise by any means. It was also concluded that higher rate were found in other minorities then in Caucasian. It was further analyzed ...