| Of late, you've been worried about the 'freshman 15' concept. I bring forth an article that discusses what exactly is this phenomena.
Just in case, you're someone who is completely new to the term, freshman 15, let me tell you that it's a standard term used to denote the weight gain of 15 pounds by first year college students. It's a very commonly used term in the US and Canada. In some other countries like Australia or New Zealand, it is known as fresher Five or five kilograms.
Freshman 15: Myth or Reality
Is it true that college students gain nearly 15 pounds in the first year of their college? The fact is that weight gain may or may not happen during the first year. It's not some fixed rule or a must occur phenomena. However, studies conducted in hundreds of colleges have stated that freshman 15 is a striking reality of majority of students who study in the first year of college. More so in those cases, who stay away from parents, in hostels. Studies have also concluded that students tend to gain at least 3 to 10 pounds, if not 15, during their first year of studies. These freshman 15 statistics present before us some very interesting points to ponder. Obviously, the first thought that comes into our mind is the reason behind the weight gain of students. Nutritionists and dietitians hint towards some possible causes of gaining significant weight during an year. Let's discuss about them.
Freshman 15: Causes
It's very simple and obvious to understand the reasons behind freshman 15. Some people are simply unable to think as to how students can gain so much weight during study at college or university in the first year. Some quite evident reasons are:
Minimum Physical Activity
Call it the stress of first year in the college or settling down and knowing various things, students who are involved in minimum physical activities have been found to gain weight. Their routine consists of rushing for lectures, completing assignments and doing various projects leaving aside little or no time for exercises. Laziness and poor time management skills of students are also the causes of poor physical activity.
Being a Party Animal
Nothing seems so exciting to a teenager than total freedom. College life offers numerous temptations to students and here everyone has to mind his own business. Things become quite different from school and every one is responsible for themselves. This is where students find freedom and enjoy life to the fullest! Nothing wrong in that but once it becomes a habit, unhealthy eating habits and eating late nights, becomes a routine. Moreover, alcohol consumption increases with every passing day in the college, adding more to the student's weight.
Fast Food
College cafeteria provides fast foods to students which is certainly unhealthy, if it is consumed like staple food. Students must be made aware of various advantages and disadvantages of fast food so that they eat wisely.
Poor Sleep
College students are nocturnal and inadequate sleep is one of the most affecting cause of poor health often leading to weight gain. Late nights debar students from getting the adequate hours of sleep needed to stay healthy.
Stress
First year in a college is often stressful for some students and this affects their eating and sleeping habits resulting in weight gain.
Students generally wonder how to avoid the freshman 15. Students must understand that it is very simple process to put a check on their weight. All they need to follow is some healthy living tips like leaving the bed early and going for a jog or gym to make weight control a reality. Plenty of exercise is the most important solution for losing extra pounds. Moreover, healthy lifestyle must be made an integral part of life. Freshman 15 generally occurs to students whose lifestyle is very poor. Simple exercises and healthy eating can create a world of difference in the life of students. It has to be understood that no body is denying the students their right to booze out or enjoy. Once in a while it's acceptable. But they must ensure that they don't play with their health in the name of enjoyment!
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