19th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
Differences in estimated and actual height and weight measurements in college students
Jenna L. Houston*, Cassie J. Morrow, Jennifer L. Salmon, and Rachel Mintle
Prof. Liz Jorn, Faculty Mentor
The purpose of this study was to investigate college student’s knowledge of their own current height and weight. Females (n=109, age=18.8±1.0yr) and males (n=67, age=18.9 ±1.0yr) were asked to estimate their height and weight and then were measured by a trained technician as part of a required lifetime health class at a small, Midwestern university. A 2X2 ANOVA with Repeated Measures over the second factor indicated a significant difference between estimated and actual height (F=11.653, p<0.001) but no significant difference between estimated and actual weight measurements (F=0.464, p>0.05). College is a time of major lifestyle changes that predispose young adults to excess calorie intake and becoming less physically active. Previous research has indicated that the greatest increases in obesity seem to occur between 19 and 29 years so it is important that students monitor their weight along with other health assessments such as body composition and blood pressure.
Keywords: height, weight, college students, health assessments, estimation
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 60-21
Location: OP Lobby and Atrium
Time: 4:15