College Intervention Programs and their Effects on the Physical Health of College Students

Abstract

Obesity and poor health rates in this country have been a problem for years and there has been much research to show how physical activity can be a solution for this problem. Much research has been done on physical activity programs and their benefits to different populations, but specifically not much has been done in the question of college students. During these years' adolescents are vulnerable to weight gain and negative health outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this synthesis was to review the literature on college physical activity programs and the – physical health benefits for college students. Research has shown that college intervention programs have helped to change student's nutrition behaviors but has failed to have an effect on physical activity behaviors or weight loss. With that being said, there needs to be further work done in regards to finding factors that create the most efficient program that can successfully increase student’s physical activity and decrease their weight giving the student a healthy life at school and for their future.