Freshman 15

College life presents itself as a very attracting opportunity to experience many new things. Many young adults want to venture in to this exciting world where they learn to be independent and self-reliant by going away for college, living in college dormitories or residence halls. For many freshmen this opportunity comes with a hefty price tag of unintentional weight gain, commonly known as the freshman 15.

            There are several factors underlying this phenomenon such as the freshman 15. Stress from being in a new environment, and from research papers to exams takes a toll on the body. In addition, college students lack sufficient hours of sleep. Many college students stay up for writing papers, studying and not to forget partying. Lack of sleep can lower levels of leptin, a hormone responsible for satiation. A leptin deficiency can be accountable for overeating and thus the weigh gain. Snacking is not an uncommon habit by college students, due to its availability and convenience on and off campus. Plus, the highly accessible and inexpensive fast food restaurants that are commonly located around campus, provides yet another unhealthy choice of food for college students.  Freshmen are exposed to a larger and wider social arena accompanied by parties and nonetheless, large consumption of alcohol contributes to weight gain.

            By no way does college admission guarantees the freshman 15, it lies in the choices we make. Sufficient rest, healthy choice of foods in the right proportions, adequate exercise and some fun is the best fitness recipe for mind and body, not just for college students, but for young and old.