Late night snacking, unlimited cafeteria FOOD and suddenly the gym on campus seems so far away. The Freshman 15 is a popular term used to describe the 15 pounds (6.8 kg) new college students often gain in their first semester or year of college. Adjusting to new surroundings and different schedule can be stressful and some of the many reasons for the weight gain.

Many students who were athletes in high school are no longer playing at the collegiate level, but still eat as though they are! For some international students, the adjustment to the sometimes unfamiliar dining hall FOOD causes them to make unhealthy and fattening choices. Eating unhealthy, snacking, lack of exercise and excessive drinking are usually the most common reasons for the weight gain.