College weight gain

The legend of the "Freshman 15" is a real concern for many college students but it's neither limited to freshman nor to 15 pounds. College weight gain is a common problem and may result from a variety of factors, such as:. While college may be filled with a variety of stressors, you can take steps to keep your weight in check. Put the emphasis on nutrient-rich foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, seafood, lean meat and poultry, eggs, beans, nuts and seeds. Limit sources of added sugars, solid fats and salt and choose more healthful fats from avocados, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils, such as olive oil and canola oil. Stock snacks that combine lean protein and carbohydrates to fuel you.

While the poundage doesn't always exactly ring in at fifteen, the tendency to gain is significant enough to earn itself a lasting title. First, it's important to note that this specific amount of weight gain isn't common to everyone. Some people gain more weight, some less, and some gain no extra weight at all or even lose pounds when they leave home for college for the first time. However, it's a common enough experience that it has earned a nickname that has endured through several decades, and is something to be aware of so it can hopefully be avoided. What causes the notorious weight gain experienced by new college students?

The Freshman 15 is real, and could be a bigger problem than parents or college students realize. Getty Images. Ah, fall. The air turns cooler. Leaves are falling.

Skip navigation! Story from Healthy Lifestyle Tips. This week on Twitter, lots of people were sharing their sage advice for students starting their freshman year soon. Amidst the tips about not registering for an 8 a.