Avoiding the Freshman 15 Weight Gain
The Freshman 15: Fighting the Battle of the Bulge
Freshman year of college brings a host of new challenges and stresses: unfamiliar surroundings, tough classes, and unprecedented freedom. Added to the worry list for many students is the fear of gaining the infamous Freshman 15.
Recent studies actually indicates that freshman year weight gain might not be as bad as previously thought. Researchers at Tufts University found that first-year college weight gain averages between 4.5 to 6 pounds. But that still leaves new students carting extra pounds around campus. And what if the gaining trend continues through senior year? You'll be graduating with a lot more than just a degree. So what causes college weight gain and how can you avoid it? We turned to nutrition expert Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS, author of 'Living The Low Carb Life: Choosing the Diet That's Right for You from Atkins to Zone' for answers.
The Causes
A Whole New Lifestyle: “There are both psychological and social reasons for the weight gain," says Bowden. "For many kids, this is the first time they’re away from home, or at least away from full-time parental supervision," he continues. There’s unlimited food at the dining hall and who can resist all the fried foods and baked deserts? Add to that a college student's dependence on takeout food, access to vending machines in dorms and on campus. Of course many busy students will find themselves skipping meals -- a recipe for overeating the next time there’s food around. "Plus, there's the general unconsciousness about food at this age," Bowden says. "Then there’s one of the most underappreciated causes of weight gain in college -- drinking alcohol!"
The Stress Factor: On top of the unrestricted access to unhealthy foods, is another fat factor -- stress. "For a lot of reasons, stress makes you fat, and no one is under more stress than a college freshman struggling to fit in, adjust to a new environment, establish herself in a new social pecking order and make good grades all at the same time," says Bowden.
How does a weight-conscious student fight all of these overwhelming factors? Bowden gives us 15 ways to fight the freshman 15.
Next: Dining Hall, Snacks and the Freshman 15
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