Is the Freshmen 15 a real phenomenon?
Weight gain in the first year of college can occur for a number reasons, including lots of late-night snacking, lack of parental influence over eating habits, increased alcohol intake, and the continued growth process for some students. However, weight gain in the first year of college is not inevitable and, according to some recent studies, tends to be less than 15 pounds for those college freshmen who do gain weight. If your weight concerns you, contact Becky McDivitt for nutritional advice and/or contact the registered dietitians at the Student Health Center (studenthealth.ucsd.edu).
