Let’s Talk About the Freshman 15

Let’s talk about the dreaded “Freshman 15.” You might have heard about it, but for the uninitiated- it’s an expression associated with freshmen gaining weight during their first year in college. 

The cause of the weight gain is due to a combination of increased consumption of junk/fast food, lack of exercise and sleep, and alcohol intake. 

How prevalent is it? According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it was found that on average, college Freshman gained 2.7 pounds. In short, it’s not an epidemic, just something that caught on to scare Freshmen. It’s a fun fact masquerading as a statistic that’s clearly been exaggerated.

Not completely related to the “Freshman 15,” but many campuses are upgrading/expanding their gyms and facilities to promote exercise and active lifestyles. Schools are also changing their student union’s dining experiences to include healthier dining options. 

There are things you can do to maintain your physical health. Some examples include  creating a good sleep and study schedule, knowing where to find healthier dining options on or near campus, or perhaps doing the small things like walking to class instead of taking e-scooters or riding the bus. 

Freshman 15 is an old expression that will probably never die, but it’s not something that  will deter you from experiencing your first year in college, unless you let it.