weight loss at college

It's a fairly accepted 'fact' among college age women that they will gain weight their first
year away from home. It's so well accepted, in fact, that nearly anyone will know
immediately what you mean when you refer to the 'Freshman 15'. The research doesn't
quite bear it out, though. One study conducted 15 years ago found that incoming freshman
did gain weight at higher rates than their peers who did not attend college, but the
average weight gain for the stressful freshman year was 7 pounds, less than half the
mythical 15 pounds they'd been told to expect.
Even more encouraging is that a more recent study of college weight gain monitored the
weight and body fat of freshman women. More than half the students put on weight, but
for most it was less than five pounds. One third of the students lost weight. Interestingly,
those students who most worried about gaining weight believed that they had gained
weight even when the scales showed that they hadn't.
If you're concerned about gaining weight in that first year away from home, here are
some concrete suggestions that can help you avoid the dreaded Freshman 15.
Adopt a Healthy Attitude Toward Food.
Researchers place part of the blame for the Freshman 15 on the tendency to turn to food
for comfort. In an unfamiliar setting, with new stresses and new worries, students may
turn to the familiar foods that make them feel good to help them get through. Train
yourself to eat when hungry - and deal with stress through other means.
De-stress.
The corollary to the statement above is that the less you allow changes and worries to
affect you, the less stress you'll have to deal with. One of the best ways to stress-proof
your body is by eating a healthy diet. Regular exercise and making sure you get enough
sleep play a big part, too. When you're body is well-nourished and well-rested, you'll find
it much easier to deal with stress without resorting to major snacking.
Watch out for the parties.
Away from parental supervision for the first time, many college age students give in to the
urge to party. Try to keep in mind that beer, even light beer, has 100 calories per every 12
ounces that you drink. You're also a whole lot more likely to snack on high fat junk food
like chips when you're drinking. As for other drugs - there are all sorts of reasons not to
smoke. Add the fact that it's fattening to the list.
Exercise.
Take advantage of the gym facilities and any student privileges you might have by getting
regular workouts. Swimming, tennis, aerobics - any sport that you play, any activity that
you do will both burn calories, and help reduce the stress of your first year at school.
Socialize.
Find a group of friends and be a part of it. The more you feel like you belong, the less
you'll be missing home, and the less you'll be snacking to make up for it.
The Freshman 15 isn't inevitable. Just remember to eat healthy, exercise, sleep well and
have fun. The weight loss will take care of itself.