by John Oystein

Created on: November 29, 2009

Dark spirits haunt the thoughts of incoming college freshmen. They possess names like Cruel Professor, Student Loans, No Money, Filthy Roommate, and The Freshman 15.

What is the Freshman 15? They're the 15 or so pounds some incoming students put on by the conclusion of their freshmen year at school. Why do so many students put on weight their first year at school? And, can I avoid it?

The Freshman 15 is a trap, but as the sage Frank Herbert taught us in Dune, the first step in avoiding a trap is knowledge of its existence.

There are numerous factors concerning freshmen weight gain. First, you have the very essence of school. It's higher education. Odds are a freshman will be taking at least 15 to 18 credit hours per semester, and that means you'll be seated for at least five to eight hours a day. Most classes run an hour's length, but some, especially at a freshman level, will run longer, sometimes as much as three hours long. Some professors will give their students a brief break during these marathon classes.

Hold that thought for a little awhile.

Yes, you'll need to walk to your classes, but that's often not hard physical activity. Most classes are within a 100 yards of the other, depending upon the size of your campus. Sometimes one class is just down the hall from the other.

Another factor behind student weight gain is stress. Many people increase food intake to combat stress. Often, they will reach for foods providing little true nutritional value but a lot of empty calories. Thus, combined with the aforementioned decreased physical activity, weight gain can occur.

Many campuses are also simply awash with food. Cafeterias are open around the clock, fast food restaurants are often on campus, and very close to the campus. Advertising for pizza delivery is ubiquitous on campus. Then there are the vending machines. Most campuses have a vending machine or two or five in each building. Do vending machines serve sliced apples and carrot sticks. Nope, they serve potato chips and candy bars. Food loaded with empty calories.

Remember earlier about classes lasting several hours with a break? Guess where students go during the break. Well, besides the restroom. You got it, they hit the vending machines, stocking up on the empty calories.

Adding all these factors together, it's no wonder why there's a Freshman 15 problem.

Fortunately, combating the Freshman 15 is a simple practice.

First, stop consuming useless, empty calories! You don't have to completely avoid the vending machines and fast food, but you must curtail your consumption thereof. Exercise a little brainwork outside of the classroom when planning your calorie intake. Pack fresh fruit and vegetables and bottled water for a snack instead of hitting a machine. Not only will you save on empty calories, you'll save money too. (Consider a soda, candy bar, and bag of chips can equal about a $1.80 per snack, eaten maybe five times a week, you're talking about serious money at just a vending machine. Then add in about $6 per fast food visit, and $12 per a pizza run, and yikes!)

When eating in the campus cafeteria or restaurants, again, use good judgment. Eat proper foods, and in the proper portions. Just because a ton of food is available doesn't mean you should eat all of it.

Finally, exercise is another all-important component. Many campuses boast of a gym or fitness center, and the cost for it is included in your tuition. Take advantage of these facilities! Remember, you're not training for a professional sport, just general fitness. Many universities almost require a physical activities credit. If nothing else, find small ways to get in some exercise, like speed walking and climb several flights of stairs a day.

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