Exploring the relationship of weight-related behaviors and mental health characteristics with reasons for exercising among college students
Creators: name: Mayersky, Michelle
Publisher: name: No Publisher Supplied
Year: 2022

description: Prior research shows exercise is associated with weight-related behaviors. However, limited studies have comprehensively examined weight-related behaviors and perceived reasons for exercising among college students. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the relationship of weight-related behaviors and mental health characteristics with reasons for exercising among college students from a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study completed during the 2018-2019 academic year. Rutgers university students (N=1,709) were recruited through university listservs and classrooms to complete an online survey with reliable and valid instruments that assessed disordered eating and mental health characteristics along with reasons for exercising and sociodemographic and health items. Self-reported height and weight data was collected from participants to calculate body mass index (BMI) in determining weight status. Participants were classified into reasons for exercise groups (i.e., overall health (n=679), appearance (n=591), enjoyment (n=54), competition (n=155), mixed [n=230; selection of one or more reasons for exercising]) and stratified by gender (women=1091, men=618). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed significant body mass index (BMI) differences among reason for exercise groups in men and women. That is, men in the mixed group had significantly higher mean BMI compared to the overall health and enjoyment groups. For women, the appearance group had significantly higher mean BMI than the overall health group. ANCOVA controlling for BMI revealed significant weight-related behavior and mental health characteristic differences among reasons for exercise groups. That is, in both men and women, the exercising for appearance reasons group had significantly lower body shape satisfaction and self-esteem, and higher depression and anxiety severity, and higher shape, eating and weight concerns mean scores compared to those in the exercising for overall health reasons group. Additionally, women in the exercising for appearance reason group were significantly more likely to report excessive exercise, binge eating, and purging in the last month as a method to control their weight compared to those in the exercising for overall health reasons group. However, women exercising for mixed reasons group were significantly more likely to report laxative misuse than those in the overall health group. For mindful eating, men in the overall health group had significantly lower disinhibition scores compared to the mixed group. For women, the overall health group had significantly lower disinhibition mean scores than the appearance, competition, and mixed groups. In both men and women, the appearance group had significantly higher external cues mean scores than the overall health group. Additionally, both men and women in the appearance and mixed groups had significantly higher mean scores for emotional response than the overall health group. Findings indicate health concerns regarding certain exercise motives among college students. More research is warranted to better elucidate these findings which may be important for health promotion programs on university campuses.