The basic expectations that incoming freshmen encounter during their first year at college are learning time-management skills, adjusting to new classroom environments, coping with excessive amounts of studying, and the infamous "freshman 15."

The “freshman 15” is believed to be an unavoidable weight gain of an estimated 15 pounds during a student's first year.  Students reportedly fall victim to the effects of gaining all 15 pounds during their first or second semester.

However, a recent study at Brown University Medical School indicates that the “freshman 15” may no longer be an accurate term. The study showed that during the first year at college, students are more likely to gain an estimated five to seven pounds. Gradually the students continue to add two or three pounds during their sophomore year.

“I gained five to six pounds during my freshman year and then went back to my normal weight during this semester,” sophomore Cristal Palomino said.

She believes that the amount of weight gained depends on the student and his or her diet and exercise routine.

Senior Sergio Mejia said that during his freshman year he gained an estimated five pounds due to a change of eating habits.

 “I was used to home cooking but when I came to the Lake I started to eat a lot of fast foods,” Mejia said.

When he entered his senior year, his diet had changed to eating nutritious meals and staying away from unhealthy meal options in the cafeteria. He would, he said, occasionally enjoy healthy salads, one of several nutritional food choices featured in Annie B's Cafeteria.

Freshman Danny Rodriguez said that since starting school here he has noticed a weight loss more than a weight gain.

“At first I lost weight because I had to get used to a new meal schedule, then I started to notice I was eating a lot of junk food and eating more. But I had to put a stop to it and eat healthier. I replaced cokes and sugary drinks with water and apple juice and I try to work out at least 30 minutes a day,” Rodriguez said.

According to Nurse Practitioner Sarah Gormican, two of the main health-related problems that students have been diagnosed with on campus are gastroenteritis and diabetes.

Gormican said gastroenteritis can result from “eating too much greasy foods and high fat content foods.” Signs of gastroenteritis are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and upset stomach.

Risk factors for becoming diabetic are being overweight and not exercising. Gormican has diagnosed at least five students living on campus of having diabetes.

Other problems that can derive from poor nutrition are joint and back pains from having to carry excess weight, as well as being more susceptible to sports-related injuries, shortness of breath, and being prone to high blood pressure.

Gormican agrees that although healthier food choices are slightly more expensive, they are the smarter choice for good health in the long run.  For anyone seeking nutritional information, Gormican suggests coming to Health Services where she is able to offer her assistance.  

Some of the long-term effects may not be apparent at this point in a student's life, but eventually the consequences of students unhealthy living style will arise. Director of Campus Recreation Adrienne Rodriguez-Gomez said students should have five meals a day including the basics, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two small snacks in between. By adding snacks in-between meals, it allows students to eat smaller portions at mealtime.

According to Gomez, the important factors of a healthy diet are “moderation and portion control.” Students should also “be consistent with exercising and portion control during the holidays.”
She said she has noticed the weight changes in students and blames fast food, junk food and not exercising. Gomez said she understands that students with tight budgets look for the dollar menus featured at many fast-food restaurants, but she hopes students will use their better judgment and make the smarter choice to stay healthy.