People constantly mention the freshman 15 and how prevalent it is for us new college students. My friends and family always somewhat jokingly say to “stay away from the freshmen 15.” I never worried about it as I always have been decently healthy and have had a high metabolism. But, since college started I have actually noticed myself having to watch what I eat and find times to work out at the gym. That leaves me with the questions of how real the freshmen 15 is or is it really just a myth that we stress about so much that it causes us to gain weight?
“Studies show that on average students gain 3 to 10 pounds during their first two years of college.” Based on an article from our very own Penn State News, professor and head of the Department of nutritional Sciences, Gordon Jensen, said “The good news is that the ‘freshman 15’ is a bit of an exaggeration. Several studies within the last few years show that not everyone gains weight during their freshman year — some people actually lose weight or stay the same. For those who do gain weight, the average is closer to 5 pounds, instead of 15. But college is still a time where you can learn lifelong healthy eating habits, which, for some people, can be used to keep off unwanted weight gain.”
The “freshmen 15” can be caused by a variation of factors including increased stress and freedoms, a new unfamiliar environment, and the unhealthy food options. Weight gain in the start of college is real and can be serious. Factors that can influence weight gain leading to being apart of the “freshman 15” can include the inability to cope with stress, emotional instability, and even eating disorders.
It is important to know that it can be over come and avoided. There are numerous ways to avoid it and stay healthy. Here are some tips to avoid joining the infamous “Freshmen 15”… it is avoidable!!
This is a great topic because it is so prevalent to this audience. I myself like many others are worrying about the freshman15 but since I have to consciously choose every meal I eat, I seem to choose healthier options.What are some tips to not gain weight freshman year? Is there other factors besides just eating more bad food that lead to this weight gain?
I am terrified of the freshman 15 so it is good to hear that it is an exaggeration. As long as an individual makes an effort to take care of him or herself, I agree that the freshman 15 can be easily avoided. Working out, keeping track of what you are eating and not binge eating are all things to keep in mind while navigating your first year in college. I found this article very interesting and relieving!
I think one of the most important factors to look at is the size of the campus. Luckily for us, Penn State is one of the largest schools in the country. In terms of the freshmen 15, this is a very good thing. First off, at a school so large, there are definitely healthy options available always; build yourself a salad in the HUB instead of grabbing a Chick-fil-a sandwich. Also, Penn State requires lots of walking. Many of my classes are further than 15 minutes from my dorm. I may be walking at a quick pace for more than a hour a day which is very good exercise, even if I don’t make it to the IM building that day.
Nice to know that the number has been exaggerated, but have you noticed that when you are a freshman most of the food that is at your disposal is actually bad for you. For instance, i lived in east last year and in the commons they have places like the Big O, and Roxy’s. These places offer little to no healthy food, and if they do have “healthy” food its most likely been sitting in the refrigerator for awhile, so it looks and tastes gross because it is not fresh. The Big O only offers pizza, chicken fingers and french fries. If i were you I would stay away from that place, even if it is convenient. Intersting topic!
Interesting post. The freshman 15 seems so real once you get here and see the options. It’s nice to have the options, but you have to watch what you eat and workout. I’m sure a lot of people don’t gain weight, but a lot depends on eating right.
Its funny, the last thing my mom said before she drove back to new york was “Make sure you work out and eat right, you don’t want to gain the freshman15.” I never really had a problem with my weight, I play basketball and run track and I eat right occasionally. But I have seen the freshman 15 effect people and I have seen it do nothing to people. In college because of the amount of freedom we have, we have to take the initiative and start working out weekly and eat right. Your blogs specifies exactly that and more. Stress is a factor in the freshman 15, its best to just enjoy your time in college and do the best you can, especially at places like Penn State!
Before college, one of my biggest fears was the freshman 15. Everyone told me to watch what I eat because it is so easy to eat unhealthy and then therefore, gain weight. When I got here, I saw myself tending to eat more of the unhealthy foods, like the creamery, pizza, and cookies from the dining halls. I still eat those foods, but now I watch how much I eat of them and make sure I go to the gym at least 3 times a week to stay healthy and in shape.
Now that I’m in college, one of my biggest fears is the freshman 15. It was nice to read that it’s an exaggerated number, because for the longest time I had believed that it was in fact a fact! So thank you for settling my worries with this blog post!
Although my friends and I always joke about the Freshman 15, I think we are all a little fearful of it. I think most people gain weight in college because of the new environment. I never used to eat pizza back at home and coming here, it seems like people can never get enough pizza. I think the most important thing is just to work out and eat healthy on a daily basis, and then treat yourself to Insomnia cookies once in a while!
This was a great post! Coming into college, I was nervous about gaining the “freshman 15.” However, now that I am here, I am also watching what I am eating, and not only working out, but also walking everywhere. All these factors are helping. I do see how stress can play a factor though with people gaining this weight. It is reassuring to here that most freshman do not gain much weight, and some even loose weight!