Research
Adherence
Transitioning to emerging adulthood (ages 18-25) and enrolling in college is associated with significant adverse changes in weight-related behaviors, including increased obesity prevalence, decreased physical activity, and poorer diet quality.
If you are 18-25 and starting college or independent living, recognize this as a high-risk window for weight gain. Your environment (dining halls, marketing, stress) will likely push you toward poorer habits. Proactively establish routines for sleep, activity, and food choices now, as these patterns tend to track into adulthood.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Research from national surveys and longitudinal cohorts has identified the transition between adolescence and adulthood as a period of increased risk for excess weight gain.
Why this rating
Supported by multiple large-scale longitudinal cohort studies (Add Health, CARDIA, NHANES) and national surveys.
Source
Emerging Adulthood and College‐aged Youth: An Overlooked Age for Weight‐related Behavior Change
Melissa C. Nelson et al. · Obesity · 2008
narrative_reviewCited 1,295×
Read the paper This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →