The Freshman 15

Cessie Ryder

Many freshman college students tend to gain weight in their first semester or year of college. The media has given this weight gain epidemic the title, “freshman 15.” Though it is somewhat of a myth and most students do not actually gain a full 15 pounds, many put on an average of 5 to 7 pounds. College involves many grand scale transitions and lifestyle changes that a new freshman must adapt to like decreased exercise, a wide variety of cafeteria food to choose from, staying up and eating late at night, and even excessive consumption of alcohol. Lifestyle changes such as these seem to be the main cause of the “freshman 15” in freshman college students.



The solution to the “freshman 15” seems simple enough, eat healthy and exercise, but in reality it is not so easy. I have only been in college for about a month and have found myself making unhealthy eating decisions because I have so much more freedom to make my own choices and I do not have my parents telling me what I should or should not eat. According to the lead researcher of the Eating Behaviors study, Sherrie Delinsky, “College is a critical time for people to create good or not good eating habits.” There are many ways for college students to create good eating habits and fight off the “freshman 15.” One way is to set certain times for meals and snacks so you do not eat too late at night. Make sure you eat fruits and vegetables with every meal and do not go back for seconds in the dining halls. An exercise plan is also a good way to stay fit and keep the pounds off. It takes some willpower and practice, but if you get into good habits early on in college, you can keep the “freshman 15” off and be on your way to a healthy life.