Insights into University Freshman Weight Issues and How They Make Decisions About Eating

The transition from high school to college represents a life turning point during which health behavior paths may be influenced. This study addresses the internal and external factors that guide students' eating decisions as they are understood and relayed by students through qualitative methods. A sample of 102 second semester college freshmen participated in a two-week data collection period. Results show that many students are caught in a negative cycle of food choices with notable social and environmental determinants impacting both their physical and emotional health.