Diet and other lifestyle behaviors in young college women

Data from Food Frequency Questionnaires and Health Behavior Surveys of 93 first year college women were analyzed for diet, activity, and other health behaviors. Body mass index was positively associated with saturated fat and inversely associated with fiber intake. Fifty-one percent of students took vitamin supplements; this was associated with higher iron and folate intakes and greater physical activity. Sixty-six percent of students never smoked; 10% smoked to control their weight. Smokers had lower fiber and higher alcohol intakes. Sixty-one percent of students drank and 50% had been drunk in the last month. Forty percent felt that they were overweight, 57% dieted, and 29% reported out of control eating. More than 50% of students were sexually active, and 18% had been tested for HIV infection. After adjusting for energy intake, physical activity showed a significant association with the healthy eating pattern. These findings suggest that healthful behaviors occurred together. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.