The association between body composition, dietary habits, and their influence on anxiety and depression in college students

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between body composition, dietary habits, and psychological well-being among college students, a population vulnerable to lifestyle changes impacting mental health. Employing a pretest-posttest design, 20 healthy, non-smoking men and women (18-55 years) participated in a 7-day nutrition logging intervention. Baseline and post-intervention assessments included body composition via Bod Pod and Fit3D scanning, and psychological measures using the GAD-7 for anxiety and PHQ-9 for depression. Results indicated significant improvements in GAD and PHQ scores for the overall sample (GAD: t=-4.18, p=0.0002; PHQ: t=-2.46, p=0.012). Female participants showed significant reductions in both GAD (t=-3.06, p=0.006) and PHQ (t=-3.21, p=0.004) scores. While male participants experienced a significant decrease in GAD scores (t=-2.87, p=0.012), their PHQ scores did not change significantly (t=0.22, p=0.417). Interestingly, despite these statistical improvements, the raw mean scores for both GAD and PHQ increased from pre- to post-intervention in the provided data, suggesting a potential discrepancy or nuanced interpretation required. This study highlights the complex interplay between physical and mental health, underscoring the need for integrated wellness interventions in college settings.