LAUSR

Throughout the U.S., obesity and diabetes rates continue to rise, especially in West Virginia. In fact, West Virginia’s obesity and diabetes rates exceed 40 percent of its population. Previous literature has demonstrated that childhood and early adult lifestyles, including poor dietary choices and reduced physical activity, predict future metabolic and cardiac issues. Therefore, we sought to determine the levels of risk factors for diabetes and cardiometabolic disease in college students in rural WV via a 4-year longitudinal study termed HERD2020 (Higher Education Reducing Diabetes). Freshmen were recruited at Marshall University and were stratified by BMI status to assess differences in physiological, molecular, and psychological status (BMI Disclosure H. Cyphert: None. R. Powell: None.