What Is Freshman 15?
Q I’ve been gaining weight since I went away to school. My roommate calls it the “Freshman 15.” Is there such a thing? How can I lose the weight? A Yes, there is, and you’re not alone. “Freshman 15” refers to the 15 lbs many college students gain their first year away from home. That first year of college is filled with changes, from living away from home, to dealing with the stress of college. Many of these factors converge to cause weight gain. Dormitory food is often high in carbohydrates, as are favorite college snack foods. Excess carbs leads to excess blood sugar, which causes the release of insulin. Insulin’s job is to turn excess sugar into fat; hence the weight gain. Also, when we are stressed, our bodies secrete cortisol, a hormone which tends to increase our blood sugar and can also lead to weight gain. Exercise as often as you can; it’s the Number One stress buster. Find a way to maintain a regular exercise schedule. Take a dance class or find places to walk comfortably in
