✖︎

Congratulations!
Claim Your FREE COPY of the expert-written book, Paleo 101!

Home Recent Why Do Freshmen Gain Weight?

Why Do Freshmen Gain Weight?

By

-

January 10, 2018

1123

You’ve probably heard of the freshman 15, a term used to describe how first-year students gain 15 pounds during their first year at college. What’s worse, it used to be the freshman 10. But is this just a myth? Well, a lot of research has gone into this area. Though the average weight gain is, in fact, well below 15 pounds, freshmen do pile on the pounds. In this article, we ask why do freshmen gain weight?

What Do the Studies Say?

Researchers went to examine the real weight gain and found that two-thirds of students gained an average of 7.5 lbs. So, the weight gain is half of what the urban myth would suggest. Yet, it is still a source of concern for many. Rapid weight gain can lead to all sorts of health issues.

Why Do Freshmen Gain Weight?

Starting college brings a lot of changes, many of which make it more difficult to maintain weight levels. The following factors play a part:

College Diner Food Instead of Homecooked Meals: Students tend to eat more frequently and enjoy more convenience foods than before. Because they eat out, they eat larger portions of often fatty foods.
Less Exercise: Most freshmen exercise less during the first year at college. They are busy trying to find their feet at college, so spend less time keeping fit.
Stress: Starting college can be stressful, as freshmen have to get a handle on an entirely new lifestyle and routine. This can lead to comfort eating.

Final Thoughts

We’ve answered the question why do freshmen gain weight. If you are aware of the potential pitfalls, you can steer clear of them and avoid piling on the pounds. Keep exercising too, as it helps the body and the mind.

At least the freshmen 15 is an exaggeration!

Disclaimer

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

Affiliate Link & Advertisement Disclosure:

Please be aware that when possible we use affiliate links along with product recommendation emails. We research all potential recommendations and bring you only program and product recommendations from the vendors we believe in.

Read next article ...

If You Want to Lose Weight, Pay Attention to Your Fiber Intake

You can choose one of a limitless selection of diets to lose weight. Some recommend ditching carbohydrates, while others opt for a low-fat option. Further still, some nutritionists get you to strictly count your calories and engage in a major exercise program. Most of these diets have some merit, however, new research suggests that increasing your fiber intake may be a healthy and easy way to shed a few pounds. What Does Fiber Do? First, let’s look at what fiber is. In essence, fibers are carbohydrates the body cannot break down. You get the largest amounts of fiber from whole grains as well as fruit and vegetable. After you eat fiber-rich foods, the body absorbs nutrients from it and eliminates the rest. Fiber-rich foods are easy to digest because they act as bulking agents in the digestive tract. While some fibers are insoluble, some of them are soluble. During the digestion, fiber passes through the digestive tract and the gut, where it provides the friendly bacteria with valuable nourishment. What’s more, fiber gives you a feeling of fullness, so you tend to eat less when you increase your fiber intake. Some Fibers Are Better Than Others If you’re planning to up your fiber intake, you need to know what fibers are best when it comes to weight loss. This depends on the viscosity of the fiber, which, in essence, refers to how bulky the fiber is in your digestive system. The more viscous a fiber, the more likely it is to give you a feeling of fullness, thus helping you to lose weight. When you’re increasing your fiber intake, make sure to include asparagus, oats, flaxseeds, beans, and brussels sprouts. Final Thoughts Fiber can help you to lose weight while also keeping your digestive system running smoothly, so it’s well worth making them a big part of your diet.