11 Facts About The Freshman 15

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1. Not all college students gain weight during their first year of school. The Journal of American College of Health reported that only half of college students gain weight during the school year.^[Ohio State University. "Weight gain in college? The freshman 15 is just a myth, U.S. study reveals." ScienceDaily. Accessed April 22, 2014. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111031115239.htm>.]
2. 15 pounds is actually a made up number that stuck. The phrase is commonly used throughout America.^[Grannell, Rachael. "Why The 'Freshman 15' Is A Lie." The Huffington Post. Accessed April 22, 2014. .]
3. The average amount that college freshman actually only puts on is between 2.5 and 3.5 lbs.^[Ohio State University. "Weight gain in college? The freshman 15 is just a myth, U.S. study reveals." ScienceDaily. Accessed April 22, 2014. .]
4. About 15% of college students actually lose weight while in college, opposed to gaining it.^[Grannell, Rachael. "Why The 'Freshman 15' Is A Lie." The Huffington Post. Accessed April 22, 2014. .]
5. The most drastic weight changes occur during the first semester of college due to the drastic change of environment and routine.^[Hirsch, Larissa. "Beating the Freshman 15." KidsHealth. Accessed April 22, 2014. .]
6. Students often exercise less upon entering college, which in return causes weight gain. Students are able to choose their daily schedules and going to the gym is usually put last.^[Bartkowski, Ann. "Problems College Students Face When They Don't Exercise." LIVESTRONG.COM. Accessed April 22, 2014. .]
7. Weight gain in college can be the beginning of continuous weight gain over the course of the student’s life.^[Grannell, Rachael. "Why The 'Freshman 15' Is A Lie." The Huffington Post. Accessed April 21, 2014. .]
8. Weight gain can happen at any age during college. Freshman year is known to be common because of the new routine and environment.^[Hirsch, Larissa. "Beating the Freshman 15." KidsHealth. Accessed April 22, 2014. .]
9. Stress is a huge factor when it comes to weight gain. USA Today reported that 76% of female students and 33% of males say they eat when under stress.^[Hellmich, Nanci. "Beer, bad habits fuel college weight gain." USA Today. Accessed April 22, 2014. .]
10. Women’s metabolism change between ages 17 to 19 years-old, making it easier for women to put on a few extra pounds without really noticing.^[Wang, Sally. "Study finds ‘Freshman 15’ is actually 2.7." Student Life. Washington University. Accessed April 22, 2014. .]
11. Beer has an average of 148 calories, red wine has an average of 80, and a martini has an average of 140. Think about it. All of those calories can add up if you're not careful.^[National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. "Alcohol calorie calculator." USA.gov. Accessed April 22, 2014. .]