Body composition changes in an Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare program
Abstract
This study examined the body composition changes of adolescents participating in an outdoor behavioral healthcare program. The sample was grouped by body mass index (BMI) categories of underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese to discern the physiological changes across these categories as a result of participation. In addition, this study tested for gender differences and differences based on season of enrollment (summer vs. winter). Paired samples t tests revealed that, on average, adolescent participants moved toward healthier body compositions from intake to discharge. Specifically, underweight participants gained a significant amount of weight, predominantly composed of lean mass. Normal-weight participants stayed at approximately the same weight but gained lean mass and lost fat mass. Overweight and obese participants lost significant amounts of weight. Two-way ANOVA analyses revealed gender differences in terms of weight loss within BMI categories, yet no differences by season or between the genders across seasons were found.
Department
Social Work
Publication Date
9-19-2014
Journal Title
Ecopsychology
Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
DeMille, S., Comart, C., & Tucker, A.R. (2014). Body composition changes in an Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare program. Ecopsychology, 6(3), 174-182.