The Freshman 15- Fact Or Fiction?
What is the 'Freshman 15'?
The freshman fifteen is the notorious weight gain that happens in that first year of college. Oftentimes, it's usually that weight gain occurring in the very first semester but for some other individuals it might creep on slowly over the course of the entire year. Sometimes sophomores are even experiencing a little bit of continual weight gain into that second year of college. It's occurring in both men and women and we might expect for some students that are considered late bloomers... We might expect a normal amount of weight gain in that freshman year. Men especially at 18 years old might be growing a little bit taller or developing muscularly still and so some weight gain would be expected, but maybe not fifteen pounds.
Is the Freshman 15 real?
The Freshman 15 is real, a real phenomenon. Research shows that anywhere between 30 percent and 70 percent of first-year college students experience weight gain. That weight gain might not quite be 15 pounds, but it could range, some research shows as little as 3 pounds, some research shows as much as 10 pounds, in that first semester or first year of college. The research varies so much--30 percent, 70 percent, 3 pounds, 10 pounds, 15 pounds. It varies so much because they are including different length of time, whether it's the first semester; the entire academic year, which is usually about 9 months; or an entire calendar year, which would be a full 12 months. That could explain some of the differences in the research.
What causes the Freshman 15?
The Freshman 15 occurs because there is so much change that occurs in that first year of college. Students are moving away from home. They're experiencing very stressful environments, maybe different living conditions than normal. Students often have very hectic schedules, not finding the time to sit down and have a healthy meal or go grocery shopping and spend the time cooking for themselves. So all of these things are contributing to the Freshman 15. In addition, binge drinking behaviors that are common in college students might also be contributing to the Freshman 15.
How harmful is gaining 15 pounds?
Fifteen pounds of weight gain is a considerable amount of weight gain and should not be taken likely. Changes that occur during college age years increase risk for chronic disease later in life, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer. So it is crucial to maintain a healthy body weight during these 18, 19, 20 year olds, so that when we are 30, 40 and 50, we are not at increase risk for these diseases.
How much weight gain is normal for college students?
Research is showing that three to ten pounds is typical weight gain for that first year or two of college. While that is typical weight gain, that might not necessarily be healthy weight gain. And we should keep that in mind. On the other hand, some students at 18 years old might not be fully reaching their height potential and their body potential. So an 18-year-old male could be still very likely be growing in height, in stature and in muscular development. So some weight gain may be healthy, normal and expected. But weight gain that is pushing us into the overweight category or the obesity category needs to be avoided.
