A Latent Profile Analysis of Young Adult Lifestyle Behaviors

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify lifestyle profiles of young adult males and females based on their alcohol, diet, and exercise behaviors and then link these profiles with health. Method: We used the nationally representative 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS; N = 17,286; 47% female; Mage = 23.22; SD = 3.16; 65% white) to examine profiles of alcohol use, daily fruit and vegetable intake, fried potato intake, and exercise per week using latent profile analysis. Participants also reported the days their general, physical, and mental health were poor and BMI. Results: Five distinct profiles for both males and females were identified: Healthy Eaters/Exercisers, Moderates, Unhealthy Eaters, Medium Drinkers, and Heavy Drinkers. Heavy Drinkers and Unhealthy Eaters reported the most days of poor mental and physical health. Conclusions: Heavy drinkers and unhealthy eaters had the highest number of days of poor health, which also places them at risk for a host of health adversities throughout adulthood. Examining motivations behind young adults' patterns of consumption and activity is an important future direction to identify mechanisms for healthy lifestyle promotion during the transition to adulthood.