The Dreaded "Freshman 15"

Everyone entering their first year of college has more than likely heard of the “freshman 15.” Students who are currently or previously freshmen were asked what they would do (or what advice they would give) about gaining the dreaded freshman 15.

According to The Urban Dictionary, the definition of the freshman 15 is “what students their first year of college gains by eating and drinking a large amount of food and drink and not getting enough exercise.” Everyone knows someone who has gained the freshman 15 or fits into that description. Perhaps someone you went to high school with or a friend, or maybe even fits your description right now for all you freshmen here at The University of Alabama.

Not everyone wants to gain the freshman 15 while he or she is a freshman. In a lot of ways it is extremely hard NOT to gain 15 pounds. Most new students are not used to living without their parents and everything else that comes with living at home, such as your mom or dad cooking your lunch and dinner. Now that you are on your own, you no longer think about eating all the healthy things your parents made you eat while living with them at home. Your dining dollars all get spent on dominoes and the food at the Ferguson Center, also known as the Ferg, or considering all the vending machines on campus take your ACT card, it is very easy to grab a bag of chips or a candy bar and a Coke while on your way to class. One of the main causes of the freshman 15 could be all the drinking and partying one might do as a freshman during the first year of college. All this partying and drinking could lead to the dreaded “munchies” and late night binge-eating. There are numerous fast food chains open late; Jimmy John’s stays open until 4, as well as Taco Bell. McDonald’s on 15th Street stays open 24 hours as well as Arby’s on University Boulevard. These late-night fast food trips are unhealthy and definitely are big contributors to the freshman 15.

We went around and asked a few students about their input on the freshmen 15, whether or not they know someone who gained the 15, or what their input would be on how not to gain the extra pounds and stay healthier. Most sophomores had the same answers, either they gained the 15 (or more in some cases) or knew of someone who had gained the 15. The freshmen response to the question on how they were going to keep the 15 off or try their best not to gain the 15 was, “... Well I walk about 2 miles to class every day.” In most cases this strategy does not pay off. If you ask a sophomore or anyone older at The Capstone, their answer would be to watch what you eat, eat in moderation, and exercise (For the freshman, exercise is more than just walking across the quad to your Biology class).

So there are many ways that you can prevent gaining the freshman 15. The Rec Center is open daily, and you can always get a group together and run around the quad to keep the pounds off. Just watch what you eat and exercise.