College freshmen are unlikely to gain 15 lbs, contrary to popular stereotypes, but on average experience significant weight gain throughout their four years of studies, according to an Auburn University study released Sept. 17.
The study looked into changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), body composition, and shape in a sample of 131 male and female students over a four-year period, starting from their freshman year.
By the end of their four years, researchers found about 70 per cent of participants had gained weight, averaging an approximate 5.3 kg or about an 11.7 lb increase.
While about 18 per cent of the research subjects were considered overweight at the start of the study according to their BMIs, this number grew to 31 per cent by the end of senior year.
“The increasing prevalence of obesity and normal weight obesity among this college population suggests the need for additional health promotion strategies on college campuses,” the study concluded.
What do students think about the study? Chris O’Gorman hit Carleton campus to find out.
Reported by Chris O’Gorman. Produced by Fraser Tripp and Chris O’Gorman
Significant increases were also found in the circumferences of the neck, waist, and hips, especially among male participants, according to the study.
These findings were in line with a study released by the University of Michigan in November 2011, which revealed the majority of weight gain may only be clearly observed after a student’s time at college had concluded.
Female students tend to put on an average of 9 lbs throughout their entire college education, while males gain 13.4 lbs, according to the 2011 study.
Just about 10 per cent of students gain a total of 15 lbs in their first year of post-secondary education, and over one quarter actually tend to lose weight in their freshman year, researchers revealed.
This was the case for Matt Fogwill, a second-year history student at Carleton University, who said that while some first-year students tend to gain weight from excessive alcohol consumption, the “freshman 15” stereotype certainly does not apply to everyone.
“I actually lost weight at the beginning of the year,” he said, noting the stress of starting university was a contributing factor.
Second-year Carleton business student Andrew Baker said he found that most students, himself included, did not eat healthily enough in first year, but weight fluctuations ultimately depend on one’s own metabolism.
“I didn’t put on any weight in first year at all, but I did eat a lot more unhealthy [food] than I did previously,” Baker said.
“I think people who do put on weight in their first year are just unlucky, but I don’t think going to college is causal.”
As for those who were lucky enough to avoid weight gain, Baker said he felt “young people in general have an easier time keeping weight off.”
“I don’t think first-years should worry about it that much,” he said. “It doesn’t appear to be an issue.”
