Since 1989, the ‘Freshman 15’ has turned into more than a clever nickname. Every freshman entering college is afraid of this phenomenon, and every college graduate has acknowledged that four years of late-night, alcohol-induced munchies was worth every pound. But, it’s true that not everyone gains weight during his or her freshman year. Recent studies have concluded that college students gradually gain weight over the course of four years, turning the Freshman 15 into more of a Freshman 5.
Going off to college, and fending for yourself with no set routine isn’t easy for most students who take advantage of the fact they can have waffles each day for breakfast and ice cream for dinner. These are the kids that may gain the stereotypical weight their first year of college… and really, it does happen. But on average, the Freshman 15 is a slight exaggeration, sometimes sending students into unhealthy obsessions over gaining weight and what they eat. This can sometimes lead to negative effects, like eating disorders. The lingering fear of gaining the stereotypical weight can cause anxiety on top of balancing school, studies and a social life. Students don’t need the extra stress of gaining weight on top of studies, friends, work, and adapting to life on your own.
A study from Ohio State University concluded that, on average, women gain seven to nine pounds over the course of a four-year period, while men gain 12 to 13. A huge factor in the study considered those who drank more often (and subsequently indulged in late-night munchies) were more likely to gain weight than those who didn’t… for obvious reasons. Though taking advantage of the good times college has to offer, it’s important to learn how to attain a balanced lifestyle. Just because you’re on your own, doesn’t mean the fun won’t catch up to you. Eventually, and for most, the novelty of being able to do whatever you want wears off by the end of your first year. Or at least until you realize the responsibilities you hold don’t go hand in hand with frequent late-nights to the bars instead of the library.
This same study found that both men and women gained around three pounds during their freshman year of college, while a quarter of participants in the 7,400-person study actually lost weight.
Instead of fearing the Freshman 15, more time should probably be spent by universities on how to approach health and nutrition on campus. Students may benefit by learning how to maintain a balanced lifestyle in college and beyond. The habits that are developed at an early age are hard to break the older you get.
The bottom line is that the Freshman 15, for most students, is a myth designed to scare students. Though habits do change once you get to college the pressure involving weight is never a positive thing to have lingering over your head. Those going off to college need to know how to take care of their bodies, and not spend time worrying about the horror stories of the Freshman 15 that plague all college campuses each year.
How do you stay healthy in college?
Featured photo: Thinkstock; h/t Greatist
I actually do not find the Freshman 15 to be a myth at all. Kids/Students are thrown into a completely different environment where their parents are not cooking food for them and they have the ability to eat as much as they want on the dining plan offered at the University/College they attend. A lot of students are uneducated when it comes to healthy foods thus they have a free for all on anything.
Peer pressure plays a role too – late night pizza, who can say no? Oh and stress too plays a role – increased stress = increased appetite.
I myself actually DID NOT gain the Freshman 15, I actually got in even BETTER SHAPE because I know how to eat healthfully and the gym at school was PHENOMENAL!