The Freshman 15 is a popular term used to describe the pattern of weight gain associated with the first year of college. Although studies suggest that as many as 75% of college freshmen do gain weight, the average gain tends to be between three and four pounds and occurs primarily during the first three to nine months of college. It’s unclear whether this pattern of weight gain is similar among men and women, or whether it continues into sophomore year or stabilizes. Most studies suggest that students do, unfortunately, tend to retain the weight they gain, which can set them up for a future of unhealthy weight control efforts with eating habits and exercise patterns that may actually increase their risk of being obese or overweight. An estimated 35% of college students are overweight or obese, although prevalence appears to differ geographically, racially, and differs between private and public universities.

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Why does this college weight gain occur? There are many possible reasons, including the changes in eating patterns, food choices, living environments, and stress levels previously mentioned. Some experts also speculate that college students have a lower level of physical activity in college than in high school. Yet even when students are aware of the risk of weight gain in college and wish to avoid it, they typically don’t. In a 2012 study, researchers surveyed more than 200 college freshmen women. The researchers reported that all of the women had heard of the dreaded Freshman 15, reporting “intense fears about gaining weight.” They also believed that the weight gain was inevitable because of the increased availability of vending machines, fast food, alcohol, buffet-style cafeterias, and “food independence,” the fact that they had more choice over what they ate than they used to.

Unrealistic fears about the Freshman 15 can, in some students, exacerbate food-related anxieties and increase the risk of eating disorders, particularly among students with preoccupations about body image.

To help college-aged students get the nutrients they need, the USDA developed MyPlate on Campus (choosemyplate.gov/MyPlateOnCampus), an initiative designed to encourage college and university students to promote healthy eating on campus. (INFOGRAPHIC 19.2)