(PO25-34-22) Fruit and Vegetable Intake Differences Between Body Mass Index (BMI) Classes Among College-Aged Young Adults

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Presenting Author(s)

Kelly Parker, MS
– Graduate Assistant, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, United States

Co-Author(s)

YR

Yeong Rhee, Ph.D., R.D.
– Professor and Department Head, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, United States

Disclosure(s):

Kelly Parker, MS: No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Objectives: Obesity continues to be a concern in the United States. A high-fiber diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, can reduce the risk of obesity and many chronic conditions. However, most Americans consume fewer than the 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables recommended per day by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Health interventions in young adults are likely to produce healthful habits that last a lifetime. This study examined whether fruit and vegetable intake differed between healthy weight and overweight participants in a sample of college-aged young adults.

Methods: A survey, including a food frequency questionnaire and self-reported height and weight, measured average daily fruit and vegetable intake in a sample of college-aged young adults (N = 274). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and independent t-test was used to measure differences in fruit and vegetable intake based on BMI classification (healthy weight: BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m² [n = 152] vs overweight: BMI ≥25 kg/m² [n = 109]). Underweight participants (BMI < 18.5 kg/m² [n = 13]) were excluded from analysis.

Results: Fruit intake differed based on BMI classification (p = 0.01). Participants with a healthy weight reported consuming slightly more fruit than overweight participants (1.44 ± 1.66< vs 1.01 ± 1.04 servings/day). However, there was no significant difference in vegetable intake between healthy weight and overweight participants (p = 0.60, 1.85 ± 1.52 vs 1.76 ± 1.27 servings/day).

Conclusions: Fiber and water in fruits may contribute to feelings of fullness, decreased overeating, and a healthier weight. While fruit and vegetable consumption can contribute to a healthy weight and other benefits, this study shows that fruit and vegetable consumption are not the sole drivers of a healthy weight. It also suggests the need for education about caloric balance, portion control, and physical activity, which are contributors to weight and BMI status.

Funding Sources: Not applicable