Prevention of Weight Gain in University Students (PGP2)

This study assess whether a small-group seminar intervention to prevent weight gain is effective in a general university student population, and to address the relative role of biological vs. lifestyle factors in predicting weight gain in humans.

The first sessions emphasize acquisition of new knowledge during interactive group seminars designed to maximize attendant's participation by adapting wellknown quiz-show or parlour games to deliver key concepts. A number of sessions are aimed at increasing self-efficacy through problem-solving, time-management strategies, individual self monitoring and goal-setting.During the second year, the intervention focuses on maintenance of healthy behaviour with empowerment of the participants using problem-solving, goal-setting, planning, and self-monitoring skills.

Inclusion Criteria: First year students at the Université de Sherbrooke. Exclusion Criteria: Presence of diseases or medications that would be expected to affect weight (cystic fibrosis, diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, etc.). Pregnancy or planning a pregnancy in the next two years. Unable to give an informed consent.

Langlois F, Langlois MF, Carpentier AC, Brown C, Lemieux S, Hivert MF. Ghrelin levels are associated with hunger as measured by the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire in healthy young adults. Physiol Behav. 2011 Sep 1;104(3):373-7. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.04.013. Epub 2011 Apr 22.