An increase in obesity is plaguing America, and students should become more concerned about improving their eating habits and avoiding weight gain.
Researchers at a private northeastern university recently conducted studies concerning the weight gain of college students.
The study included 382 freshmen, with each student being weighed once at the beginning and once end of spring and fall semesters.
The study showed that during the same time span, male students gained more weight than female students. Another recent study showed that the average amount of weight gained for males and females was less than 15 pounds within their first year.
While researchers recognized that students were not necessarily gaining the expected “Freshman 15”, they noticed that students continued to gain additional weight their sophomore year.
Contributions to weight gain were drinking, more socializing that involved eating, and decreased physical activity Natasha Jeffreys, public health educator at WSSU, shared vital information for WSSU students concerning healthy eating habits and avoiding weight gain.
“Students should watch their portion sizes, remain physically fit and drink lots of water,” she said. Jeffreys mentioned that food choices such as fruit, vegetables, nuts and grains are among the variety of foods that students should eat regularly.
Exercising regularly also contributes to improved health and students should do so at least three times a week for 15 to 20 minutes.
“The key is getting a good cardiovascular workout – students can walk or run on treadmills or participate in kick-boxing or cycling,” she said.”
“Students should also remember that exercising includes warming up and cooling down in order to avoid straining muscles.”
Many students at WSSU who care about their health, influence their friends to do the same.
This semester, Latoya McCluney, 19, sophomore, has been more concerned with maintaining better health habits.
“My roommate and I have started going to the fitness center and plan to go at least two to three times a week,” she said. “I think it is important to develop better health habits now because our generation needs to learn how to take better care of themselves, regardless of how fast and convenient life is now.”
“The Freshman 15” can be a myth or fact for students according to the daily choices they make. Regardless of whether students have or have not gained their “15,” healthy eating habits can be an important part of every student’s life.