Weight Loss Strategies Used by Army Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets: Implication for Student Health and Wellness Services

Background:Maintaining a healthy weight is a military requirement for the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets. Male and female soldiers often have different approaches to maintaining a healthy weight and mobile health (m-health) tools can be harnessed and tailored to the needs of individual cadets.Objectives:This study examined gender differences in technology use, weight loss strategies, information needed to maintain a healthy weight, and willingness to participate in m-health research and programs.Materials and Methods:A self-administered survey was completed by 404 cadets from ROTC programs in Florida in 2017.Results:Most owned smartphones and used them as their primary internet access. Women had significantly lower body mass index than men (p=0.037). Most used healthy weight loss strategies, including increasing physical activity, reducing sweets, and reducing fried foods. Women were more likely than men to reduce fried foods (p<0.0003) and sweets (p=0.020). Most reported a willingness to participate in m-health weight management research and programs, with women more willing to do so (p=0.038). Most were willing to participate in m-health programs that used text messages, food/activity/sleep apps, smart watches/fitness trackers, and stress management/anxiety apps. Women were more willing to participate in programs that used apps for stress/anxiety management (p=0.004) and to track food/activity/sleep (p<0.0001). Most needed information on eating healthy on a budget and eating healthy on-the-run.Conclusions:Opportunities exist for college health and wellness professionals to use a variety of m-health tools and apps to promote general health and wellness and to help cadets achieve and maintain a healthy weight.