by Jacqui Pratlett

Created on: June 18, 2010   Last Updated: June 19, 2010

Weight gain is something a lot of university students suffer with, and it can be down to several factors. There are some inexpensive and easy ways you can remedy weight gain when living at university.

Food

When you begin living away from home and your budget is tight, it becomes increasingly easy to reach for readymade meals or takeaways. Many students have never learnt how to cook, and most are too busy to spend an hour in the kitchen. It is important, however, not to let your eating habits slip. Students often live and work at unusual times of the day, which throws your body clock off balance. You then tend to eat at unusual times, or just when you feel hungry. It is important to maintain a proper daily routine of breakfast, lunch and dinner as this helps you avoid snacking, or over eating. You should also build time into your day to cook rounded meals, with plenty of vegetables (good for energy as well as keeping an eye on your weight) and a balance of meat (if you’re not a vegetarian) and carbohydrates. Avoiding frozen meals and especially takeaways or pub food will make a big difference in watching your weight.

Gym

Universities often offer excellent gym membership rates (usually about £30-£50 a year). This is a privilege you should take full advantage of. Regular exercise will keep your weight steady and keep your mind healthy. It offers you time to wind down and de-stress which is important too when studying hard. Many university gyms also have classes such as yoga, dance, aerobics and kickboxing. Taking full advantage of these will mean you often schedule in exercise at a set time each week, where you wouldn’t have before. There are also numerous sports teams and societies to join and most universities offer tennis and badminton courts or fields/Astroturf for outdoor sports – so you can always find something you enjoy.

Stress

 When trying to keep your body healthy, it is important your mind is healthy too. Stress can cause weight gain, especially through comfort eating. There is also research to suggest stress affects hormone and chemical release in our bodies, altering blood sugar levels, our metabolisms and fat storage [1]. The best way to reduce stress when studying is to organise your time effectively; you may want to discuss this with a tutor or fellow student for advice. You should allow yourself breaks, and set specific deadlines for yourself to measure achievement and progress. Simple steps such as these can

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