Freshman 15 Effect – How to Avoid Weight Gain in College
Alicja Kowalska
2026-03-22
7 min. read
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The start of college involves numerous changes, which are not only exciting and intriguing but also stressful. It is also a period when most individuals reach adulthood and learn how to take care of their health. Unfortunately, many students experience a weight gain during this time. Is it possible to prevent this?
Freshman 15 Phenomenon
This concept describes the tendency for first-year students to gain weight. The number 15 represents the estimated average pounds gained by newly enrolled students, equating to approximately 7 kilograms. Initially, this phenomenon was primarily noted among American college students, particularly in northern regions. However, it appears this figure is somewhat exaggerated. Nevertheless, the issue remains significant, as researchers note that substantial weight gain during adolescence can lead to overweight or obesity, which are already major public health concerns. While the term specifically applies to the first year of university, experts emphasize that the entire academic period is crucial for developing healthy habits and future well-being (R. A. Vella-Zarb, F. J. Elgar 2010).
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