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TechnographHigh caloric dining hall choices result in Freshman 15
Weight loss experts say moderation is key to avoiding excess freshman year weight gain
By Emily Sokolik
Posted: 11/1/06 Section: News
Fresh vegetables and whole grains were not part of Sneha Patel's diet during her freshman year at the University. Patel, junior in LAS, lived in baggy sweats to conceal her expanding waistline after gaining weight from an eating regimen consisting of pokey sticks and beer.
"I used to be super skinny coming into college," she said. "I really did gain a lot of weight."
Patel is a victim of the Freshman 15, a term referring to the weight gain first-year college students commonly experience. An affinity for late night snacking and heavy drinking caused Patel to gain sixteen pounds.
However, as USA Today reported last Monday, new research from the Obesity Society, the leading scientific society dedicated to the study of obesity, reveals that many freshmen seem to escape the predicted 15 pound weight gain. The organization found that a majority of students pack on only an average of eight pounds.
Despite the good news, Karen Morton, a registered dietitian, urges University students to remain vigilant.
"Moderation is probably the biggest thing to remember," said Morton who works at iPower, 1612 S. Neil St. in Champaign, a weight-loss and exercise facility.
Morton said the first year of college is a vulnerable time for students. Eighteen-year-olds often experience difficulty coping with academic and social stress, she said.
The alcohol associated with bars and parties, as well as unlimited food choices in University Dining Halls can contribute to extra pounds, Morton added.
"It's the first time you're away from home and you've got a little more freedom in regards to when, what and how much you're eating." Morton said. "Who's going to stop you from ordering that pizza at midnight?"
University Dining Halls provide residents with healthy options like a salad bar and menu items including stir-fry tofu with vegetables. However, most students are enticed by the greasy french fries and triple chocolate cookies, said Kirsten Ruby, assistant director for University housing.
"I used to be super skinny coming into college," she said. "I really did gain a lot of weight."
Patel is a victim of the Freshman 15, a term referring to the weight gain first-year college students commonly experience. An affinity for late night snacking and heavy drinking caused Patel to gain sixteen pounds.
However, as USA Today reported last Monday, new research from the Obesity Society, the leading scientific society dedicated to the study of obesity, reveals that many freshmen seem to escape the predicted 15 pound weight gain. The organization found that a majority of students pack on only an average of eight pounds.
Despite the good news, Karen Morton, a registered dietitian, urges University students to remain vigilant.
"Moderation is probably the biggest thing to remember," said Morton who works at iPower, 1612 S. Neil St. in Champaign, a weight-loss and exercise facility.
Morton said the first year of college is a vulnerable time for students. Eighteen-year-olds often experience difficulty coping with academic and social stress, she said.
The alcohol associated with bars and parties, as well as unlimited food choices in University Dining Halls can contribute to extra pounds, Morton added.
"It's the first time you're away from home and you've got a little more freedom in regards to when, what and how much you're eating." Morton said. "Who's going to stop you from ordering that pizza at midnight?"
University Dining Halls provide residents with healthy options like a salad bar and menu items including stir-fry tofu with vegetables. However, most students are enticed by the greasy french fries and triple chocolate cookies, said Kirsten Ruby, assistant director for University housing.
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