Shane EvansThe change in lifestyle which consists of constant stress, lack of active movement and poor sleeping and eating habits all play a major role on our waist line. Consumption of alcohol also plays a major role in college weight gain. Everyone entering college has the dreaded “freshmen 15” on their mind. Wondering why they might gain some extra baggage during their first year at school and how they can keep it off.
Researchers at Cornell University found that college freshman gain about 4.2 pounds during their first three months of school. Increase in calories and decrease in activity causes your metabolism to fluctuate. Cornell University researchers feel freshman weight gain could, in fact, be the same phenomenon that is contributing to the epidemic of obesity among all Americans.
Tom Heigh, a freshman liberal arts major, said, “Guys gain weight because they get thrown off their sleep schedule. Therefore they need more food to stay energized.” When students realize that they have gained weight Tom Heigh said, “They freak out, try to lose weight the wrong way and actually gain more.”
Having more freedoms in college such as; no one telling you what time to go to bed, or eating a balanced diet throws your body out of sync. Some students feel they can not get the same nutrition that their parents could provide them with if they were home. Also, the temptation of ordering food is elevated, causing student to pack on the pounds with greasy, fired take-out.
Liz Zimmer, a freshman undeclared major, said, “People at night have nothing to do and they get bored so they order out all the time.”
Jenna Chiavoroli, freshman, undeclared said, “Freshmen don’t have cars so they don’t have the opportunity to leave campus so they order out.”
As an employee of the Dixon Center Chiavoroli has noticed a change in the clientele since the beginning of school. Chiavoroli said, “More students are now working out and before it was just community members.”
Also, problems with having night classes and working a late job mean you miss the times which the cafeteria and Jazzman’s are opened. These are the times were you go back to your dorm room order out, or pig out on the foods that you brought with you to school.
John Yuro, a freshman English and communication major, moved into school with chips, popcorn and pretzels. Since the beginning of school Yuro said, “I have drank four cases of Snapple, two cases of soda and a half a case of water.”
One way to stay away from the dreaded “freshmen 15” is to be responsible with your diet. Don’t order out late at night and be aware of your alcohol consumption.
