The changing of the calendar from July to August always marks the same sad event for most children and teenagers ages five to 18: only one more month of summer freedom until it is back to school. Of course, with back to school, comes back to school shopping. Elementary students are searching for those perfect lunch boxes, middle schoolers are making sure they have bought the ideal outfit and high school students are wondering what new drama is sure to arise in the coming year. For college students, first-years in particular, the once boring days of school shopping are filled with endless trips to Bed, Bath and Beyond, Ikea and Linens & Things to accumulate the necessary college materials.
While those bed sheets and under the bed storage units are essentials, perhaps one of the most important items to a first-year student is the refrigerator. To go with the new refrigerator, there are the carbonated drinks and sweet snacks that bring comfort during those first few weeks away from home.
Enter the “first-year 15.”
Sure, that case of Pepsi and bag of Lay’s Potato Chips taste delicious after a long day of doing nothing but homework, but sooner or later, all that well-deserved snacking might just catch up.
While not every student gains the full 15 pounds in the first year, studies show that first-year students are at a high risk of gaining weight.
But why do the numbers on the scale suddenly rise with the start of college? Some say that the stress of a new situation, living with new people and adjusting to a new environment are all key factors in why students are filling the void with eating. Students are also thrown into a life where nightly dinners with the family are not mandatory, and the freedom of eating whatever one wants, whenever one wants, is at their fingertips.
As if the stress of juggling classes, studying and extra-curriculars is not enough, add the stress of packing on a few extra pounds. So, what can be done to prevent adding one more stress factor to the list?
For starters, exercising is a key ingredient for keeping the extra pounds off. However, just walking to class isn’t enough. Instead of using the elevator to get to the fifth floor of Main Hall, take the stairs.
Even that will not be enough. Make a weekly routine of a few simple exercises. Do a few crunches or push-ups before hopping in the shower, or take a walk around campus just for the fun of it. If walking outside doesn’t sound like the idea of fun, stop by the gym after class and jog on the treadmill.
Just exercising will not cut it. Snacking should be kept to a minimum. Instead of Oreos and day-old pizza, try eating small servings of fruits or vegetables. Also, try not to make daily trips to the vending machines. Watching portion size and eating at regular times can also be helpful in keeping healthy eating habits.
Another big factor in gaining weight is the amount of alcohol being consumed. Not only is drinking illegal for students under the age of 21, it can also lead to potentially major health problems. Alcohol and beer are high in calories. Therefore, drinking excessively will only add to unwanted fat build up.
In addition to leading a healthy lifestyle and exercising, getting the proper amount of sleep can also factor into the equation. Excessive napping might be a quick fix to get through the day, but can actually cause problems when trying to sleep through the night. It is important to try to sleep at least seven or eight hours a night and to maintain a normal sleep pattern. Sleeping can help to eliminate stress, which can cause overeating.
Gaining a few pounds here and there is not something to worry about, but it also should not be taken lightly. With a few improvements to everyday life, avoiding the freshmen 15 can be a piece of cake.
Lauren Baxter is a first-year student majoring in secondary English education. She can be reached at LB657404@wcupa.edu