According to research presented last week, the "freshman 15" might be more real than previously thought -- although the actual weight gained by freshman is more likely to be between five and 10 pounds.
The research, conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Lloyd-Richardson, assistant research professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown University, indicates that, on average, students gain weight upon entering college. This weight is put on by both males and females, and the weight gains continue through sophomore year and beyond.
The research itself is based on two studies: Project CLUEE, funded by the National Institute of Health, and UpTERN, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Project CLUEE investigated 382 students from a private college in the Northeast, whereas UpTERN focused on 907 students from a public, Midwestern college.
According to a release, Project CLUEE revealed that, on average, male students gained 5.6 pounds and female students gained 3.6 pounds during their first year of college. Most of this weight gain took place during the first semester.
"It is my belief that this weight gain is fat, not muscle mass," said Lloyd-Richardson.
The findings also gave the numbers for UpTERN. On average, both male and female students gained 7.8 pounds, seven of which were gained during the first semester. UpTERN research continued until the end of sophomore year -- males finished 9.5 pounds and females 9.2 pounds heavier than when they started college.
Melanie Brede, registered dietitian at the University, quoting the National College Health Assessment of 2003, said a vast majority of University students fall into the "healthy" range for BMI, or body mass index.
In response to Lloyd-Richardson's research, Brede said it is important to remember that a large number of students also lose weight during college.
"In a way, college weight gain has undeservingly reached an urban legend status as some horrible, scary thing," Brede said.
Lloyd-Richardson hypothesized that the weight gains could be caused by a reduction in physical activity, increased drinking of alcoholic beverages and unhealthy food.
Both Lloyd-Richardson and Brede stated that many students say they are not able to participate in as many physical activities in college.
"A sudden independence of student eating habits" might also be behind the weight gain, Brede said.
Lloyd-Richardson said, at this point, she does not know what might be done to solve the weight gain problem. She did note, however, that minor changes to eating and behavioral habits should keep continued weight gains in check. "Something needs to be done so that they do not gain more and more weight," Lloyd-Richardson said.
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