The term “freshman 15” is most commonly associated with students entering their first year of college, but weight gain can easily happen to any college student. According to kidshealth.org, studies show that students gain an average of three to 10 pounds during their first two years of college. While “freshman 15” is the term for the expected weight gain of new students, most students don't gain 15 pounds. However, the challenge to keep those unwanted pounds off by maintaining a healthy lifestyle is still present.

Here is some helpful advice from nutrition experts concerning the freshman 15.

CAUSES
The causes of gaining weight in college are relatively simple. It is a combination of these causes that result in weight gain.

• Eating late at night
• Eating large amounts of unhealthy cafeteria food
• Lack of exercise
• Keeping a lot of unhealthy snacks on hand
• Drinking a lot of alcohol
• Adjusting to college life

HOW TO AVOID THE FRESHMAN 15
If you follow the advice of experts and try to avoid the causes, you will be able to keep off the weight.

• Avoid binging late at night: If you eat right before you go to bed, your stomach has to break down and digest the food all night. This is a factor which leads to weight gain. So, even though you might pull an all-nighter studying for a chemistry exam, consuming Butterfingers and Red Vines probably is not a good idea.

• Stay away from unhealthy café food: Donuts for breakfast, French fries and cookies for lunch, and ice cream for dinner? Gaining weight is typical when you are eating a lot of unhealthy food. Experts say that desserts are okay, as long as you are not living off of them.

• Exercise regularly: You might have a hectic schedule, but try to hit the gym, even if it’s only for 30 minutes. Running helps burn calories and fat, and working out helps tone muscle. If you make going to the gym a habit, you are likely to stick with it … good habits are hard to break.

• Don’t keep an excess of unhealthy snacks in your room: Doritos and Reese’s might be comfort food, but snacking all the time will definitely lead to weight gain. Enjoy your favorites in moderation, but don’t overdo it. Keeping an excessive amount of snacks in your room is dangerous: you don’t have to go far to find unhealthy food.

• Avoid lots of alcohol: Just avoid alcohol … the calories absorbed lead to massive weight gain, not to mention you would be breaking Biola’s contract.

• Respond in a healthy way: Experts say that sometimes weight gain is a response to homesickness, sadness, stress, anxiety, or sadness. All of these feelings are a part of moving to a new school that might be far from home. Don’t make over-eating the solution to your problems; instead, talk to a counselor, professor, residence director, or friend.

For additional information about the “freshman 15,” visit kidshealth.org or freshman15.com.