According to a recent study by East Carolina University, 83 percent of female college students – regardless of weight – reported being on a diet or making a lifestyle change because they want to lose weight.

“It is the fact that in our culture, women are primarily judged on the basis of their appearance,” said Robert Lee, Central Michigan University associate human environmental studies professor and registered dietitian.

For this reason, he said, so many students are attempting to lose weight.

A Central Michigan Life survey given to 200 female CMU students found, while only 17 percent currently are dieting, almost 60 percent are trying to lose or maintain weight.

CM Life also polled 112 male students about their opinions about college women’s eating habits.

The surveys – random, non-scientific polls – were distributed in classrooms, Charles V. Park Library, Bovee University Center, Barnes Hall, Robinson Residential Restaurant and academic buildings. Women older than 24 or pregnant were not surveyed in either study.

There are some factors making weight gain easier when students enter college, including a more unstructured schedule and environment, the ECU study found.

Lee agreed with the survey, citing later nights, lack of physical activity and alcohol consumption as some of the biggest differences between high school and college.

“Alcoholic beverages can be a significant source of extra calories, contributing to excess body weight,” he said.

Penny Cook, associate director of Health Services, said students need to exercise portion control and think about what beverages they are drinking.

CMU women

17 percent currently on a diet
83 percent not currently on a diet
27 percent have been on a diet since entering college
69 percent have not been on a diet since entering college
59.5 percent are doing something to lose or maintain weight
26.5 percent are not doing anything to lose or maintain weight
54 percent are working out

Informal CM Life survey questioned 200 random CMU women

“They (students) don’t even think of juice as highly caloric,” she said, adding juice intake can add 3,000 to 4,000 calories to a person’s diet each week.

Fenton senior Sarah Cardy said she sees portion control and lifestyle modification as key factors in losing weight and staying fit.

Cardy, a health fitness major, learned to make these changes through Weight Watchers.

Although she no longer follows the weight loss program, Cardy credits it for her slim physique.

Though CMU does not have a dietitian to consult students on their eating habits, Cook said the key to a good diet is balance and regular exercise; cutting out a food group or skipping breakfast are not good options.

She said she has seen diet trends at CMU follow national trends.

Atkins, South Beach and Weight Watchers were diets reported in the survey, and Cook said out of all diets, she thinks Weight Watchers is best.

“It’s true you have to pay, but it’s something you can live with,” she said.

Another good approach to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Cook said, is regular exercise.

“(General increased daily activity) really makes a difference in the long term,” she said.

Choosing low energy density foods is a good way to eat healthfully, Lee said.

These foods have high water content, in addition to high amounts of dietary fiber, and are low in fat and added sugars.

Lee also suggested students think green when eating in the dining commons.

“First thing, hit the salad bar,” he said. “Easy on the salad dressing.”

Foods like salads, vegetables, whole grain breads, pastas, lean meats, fruit and nonfat dairy products are categorized as low energy density foods.

Because of student feedback, Campus Dining has implemented several new programs to inform students about the food they are eating, said Nikki Smith, Campus Dining marketing manager.

Some of these changes include icons identifying low-fat, low-calorie, low-carb, heart-healthy, vegetarian and vegan food options, she said.

CD also has developed an online health awareness newsletter, “Beyond the Greens.”

Smith said members have planned to make changes for next year as well, such as the Fresh Food Company in the new Woldt Residential Restaurant, where food will be prepared directly in front of students.

Weight is something determined not only by diet and lifestyle choices, but by genes as well, Lee said.