ABSTRACT
The prevalence of obesity in the United States is at an all-time high. 1 In 1991, only 4 states had obesity prevalence rates higher than 14% (15-19%). In 2002, 20 states had obesity prevalence rates of 15% to 19%,
5 29 states had rates of 20% to 24%, and 1 state had a rate > 25%.1 The alarming increase in rates of obesity over the past decade is an epidemic. 1 Because obese individuals are at an increased risk for coronary heart disease, metabolic disorders (e.g., type 2 diabetes,
10 dyslipidemia, insulin resistance), stroke, osteoarthritis, and cancer, reversing this trend is a top health concem.2 College is considered a critical period for weight gain among men and women. 3 The "Freshman 15" refers to the 15 pounds that students supposedly gain
15 during their first year of college; however, with obesity appearing at an earlier age among US adolescents, this may turn into the Freshman 30 or 45. Because the transition to college life is a critical time for weight gain in
DONALD TOROK Florida Atlantic University, Davie
this population, we must take a closer look at college 20 students' physical activity behaviors.
