UTAH TECH UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWS SOURCE | March 29, 2024

Research shows Freshman 15 is a myth

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Branching out from  a comfortable life at home with steady prepped meals to facing a life of total independence, it’s no wonder why some students may be in danger of gaining weight.

Although weight gain can occur in college, the phrase, “Freshman 15” has become a widely spread misconception. 

“The Freshman 15: A Critical Time for Obesity Intervention or Media Myth? Social Science Quarterly,” clarified students typically gain  only 2.4 to 3.5 pounds on average during their first year of college, and only 10 percent of students gain 15 pounds or more. 

Jill Bryan, a registered dietian and adjunct for the college of education, said various factors like excessive drinking and balancing a job along with school may contribute to this weight gain in college. 

“Adapt a healthy lifestyle now by having a balanced diet and an active lifestyle,” Bryan said.

The article also mentions  “women gained approximately 9 lbs and men 13 lbs, on average” over the course of several years in college, not just their freshman year.

How Much Does Your Metabolism Really Slow Over the Years,” by K. Aleisha Fetters, is an article highlighting the natural yet slow decrease in your metabolism rate starting at the age of 20.

Majority of new college students are around  that age range, so their metabolism may already be slowing down.

Therefore, a decrease in one’s metabolism suggests a change in daily diet may be in order.

Joanna Macedone, a freshman child development major from Orem, and Natalie Adams, a freshman communication major from Iowa, both said they would rather do their own grocery shopping than buy food from the campus stores.

DSU  has the resources for you to obtain a healthy lifestyle as well. It’s just a matter of knowing what you’re looking for.

But maintaining that healthy life doesn’t stop at eating right.

The Student Activities Center, which is located just north of the Jeffrey R. Holland Centennial Commons Building, provides an array of activities for students.

“Kids do tend to gain weight in college, and the classes provided offer [in the SAC] a fantastic venue to get fit and be involved with school,” said Susan Hart, the department chair of the health and human performance department.

Attending the gym isn’t for everyone, but the SAC provides many different activities for students.

“We have weight training, aerobics, tennis, volleyball and pickle ball,” Hart said. “They are also looking into putting in new additions such as paddle board yoga.”