A peer-led non-diet behaviour change intervention: FitU

Objective: Despite the popularity of weight loss interventions, research indicates these methods are ineffective for promoting long-term health. College age is a developmentally important age for developing lifelong health habits. FitU is a peer-led non-diet nutrition and physical activity (PA) mentoring intervention developed to promote lifelong health habits for college students. The purpose of this study was to examine the nutrition and PA outcomes of FitU participants. Design: Pre-experimental single group repeated-measures field study design with qualitative programme evaluation feedback at post-test. Setting: FitU participants met with both a nutrition and PA peer mentor four times each for a total of eight sessions. Method: Participants (N = 125) completed pre- and post-surveys about their nutrition and PA attitudes and behaviours. Results: FitU participants increased their eating competence from pre-to-post assessment and decreased their perceived barriers to healthy eating. Participants also increased their readiness to exercise and reported being more physically active. Conclusion: Findings demonstrate the effectiveness of a peer-led, non-diet mentoring intervention in promoting health-supporting habits among college students.