Stage of change toward “9-a-day” not “5-a-day” is associated with lower body weight

Abstract

Purpose- This study aimed to assess the students’ stage of change (SOC) for fruits and vegetables (FV) consumption using the 5-a-day and 9-a-day patterns; to validate a tool to measure SOC for consuming 5-a-day and 9-a-day of FV; and to investigate the relationship between SOC for FV consumption and body weight among Jordanian college students. Design/methodology/approach- A cross-sectional study was conducted, and included a convenient sample of 788 college students (47.7% men and 52.2% women) who completed validated questionnaires which included socio-demographic data, readiness to consume 5-a-day and 9-a-day servings of FV daily, and FV consumption behaviors. Students' heights and weights were measured. SOC for participants was examined using reparation, contemplation, precontemplation, action, and maintenance stages. Findings- The majority (69.9%) of the participants were in the pre-contemplation stage with regard to 9-a-day behavior. Women tended to be classified in the action stage more than men (P<0.001). More than 80% of participants were in a pre-action stage for either consuming 5-a-day or 9-a-day of FV. After controlling for age, gender, and energy consumption, a significant (P<0.05) participants inverse relationship was found between maintenance or action stage of change for consuming 9-a-day behavior and BMI. Students in the maintenance stage for 9-a-day had significantly (P=0.03) lower BMI values that those students in the pre-action stages (23.1±3.9 and 22.5±3.3 respectively). The relationship was not valid for the 5 a day behavior (P=0.1) Originality/value- The current study is genuine and original, and valuable in designing new strategies in lowering obesity and its comorbidities.