Campus nutritionist looks at freshman weight gain

By: Megan Wood

Posted: 3/7/07

The first year of college brings changes in the lives of students. For some, it is the first time away from home, for others it is the novelty of independence that encourages a change in lifestyle. Eating habits are usually the least noticeable, but often have the most impact.

"I didn't gain the freshman 15. I gained more like the freshman 20," said Dylan Casano, a sophomore majoring in graphic design.

The feelings toward the fact or fallacy of the "freshman 15" varies from student to student, depending on where he or she lives, the sport he or she participates in and what he or she eats.

"I blame the food," said Jenna Provinse, a sophomore majoring in social work and psychology. "The food is horrible - all the choices and no home-cooked meals."

Jessin Ulloa, a junior majoring in radiology, never lived on campus and therefore never had a meal plan.

"It's not real. It's a myth. It doesn't happen to everybody - it didn't happen to me, so unless you don't take care of yourself, it's a myth," Ulloa said.

According to San Jose State University nutritionist Jennifer Waldrop, the freshman 15 isn't really 15.

"Research shows that most college freshmen gain seven pounds. So the freshman 15 isn't really accurate in terms of the number 15, but there is definitely a trend of weight gain within the first 12 weeks of beginning college," Waldrop said.

The first 12 weeks are a period of major transition from life at home to a new life at college, Waldrop said.

"Stress levels increase, which can change eating habits, food choices change and physical activity tends to decrease because students study more … these disruptions cause pretty immediate weight gain in the first 12 weeks," Waldrop said.

Casano found himself on a tight budget and, to save money, ate the cheapest things he could get his hands on.

"The cheapest stuff is the fattiest stuff … fast food, hot pockets. It's cheap and fatty," Casano said.

However, fixing meals at home tends to be cheaper in the long run, Waldrop said.

"Buying things in bulk like chicken breasts and pasta … people like bean burritos and beans are healthy and some of the most affordable things to buy," Waldrop said.

According to a handout from Spartan Shops Dining, healthy options can be found at all food vendors on campus for students eating on campus or living in the dorms.

"You want to look for whole grains and choosing whole wheat bread when given the option … varying your fruits and vegetables on campus as well as calcium rich foods like low fat milk or soy," Waldrop said.

A meal does not have to consist of a burger, fries and a soda. For students seeking healthier options, opt to eat fruits and vegetables first, as they are high in water and fiber, so they make you feel fuller and be sure to choose lean proteins such as grilled chicken breast, Waldrop said.

As far as keeping the freshman seven or 15 off, physical activity is key.

"I didn't gain weight my freshman year because I was on the basketball team," said Danielle Price, a junior majoring in accounting. "All the cardio and running and exercise helped me to not gain weight without changing my eating habits."

Students may opt to hit the treadmill at the gym in the event center or take a fitness class available for students at the semester rate of $9.

"Maintaining physical activity is really key, even two 10 minute walks will help … something that increases your daily movement will help," Waldrop said.

According to a flier from the Associated Campus Recreation, a new program called Spartan Walkers is geared toward encouraging fitness and exercise and will be launched later this semester. Students can register for free online at http://sjsu.pyrasports.com.

Students interested in nutrition counseling or help with healthier food choices can make an appointment with Jennifer Waldrop at (408) 924-6122.