Holiday Weight Change in a US College Student Sample: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

Objective: The November through January holiday period is often thought to produce weight gain, coined "holiday weight gain." While this trend has been documented among early to midlife adults, it is less certain whether college students experience similar levels of weight gain during this period, as they undergo lifestyle changes (e.g., returning to their families of origin) that may differ from adults at later stages of development. Thus, the primary aim of the current study was to determine body weight and body composition changes during the holiday season in college students. The secondary aim was to examine the association of psychosocial variables with primary outcomes. Methods: Participants included 47 undergraduate students. Body weight, body composition, and psychosocial variables were measured prior to Thanksgiving break and after returning from December to January break. Differences in body weight and body composition variables were determined using paired-sample Results: On average, college students experienced a 1.08% increase in body weight between study visit 1 in November and study visit 2 in January (0.74 ± 1.81 kg; Conclusions: College students gained a small, yet significant, amount of weight over the holiday period. Weight gain occurred alongside increases in lean mass but not body fat. Results provide important context to previous findings observing weight gain in college students and adults over the holiday season. Specifically, findings indicate a healthy increase in lean mass-a potential promotive factor in optimal health and wellbeing.