Freshman 15 (Fifteen) Information
The official Freshman Fifteen resource for all information regarding freshman college students gaining 15 pounds the first semester of college.
About the Freshman 15
Most associate the term "Freshman Fifteen" (also known as Freshman 15 or Freshmen 15) with the gain of fifteen pounds by college freshman their first semester (or year) at college. Freshman students seem to me the most susceptible to this gain of weight, especially in their first semester. Freshman usually are not aware of food and alcohol's effect on the freshman 15. Many believe the average amount of weight gained is fifteen pounds. This is how the term "Freshman Fifteen" came about. If the Freshman 15 is new to you, you may want to check out our Freshman 15 Frequently Asked Questions section.
Freshman 15 Causes
The causes of the freshman 15 may seem to be common sense for many people, but others struggle to understand why they gain so much weight during the first year at a college or university. Here is a list of a few of the causes of the freshman fifteen that should be avoided as much as possible:
- Lack of exercise
- Eating late at night
- Keeping unhealthy snacks on hand (in the dorm room)
- Eating unhealthy cafeteria food
- Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
How to avoid the Freshman 15
Avoiding the Freshman 15 is simple, all students have to do is exercise and avoid the causes: Eating unhealthy cafeteria food, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, eating food late night, and keeping unhealthy snacks in the dorm room. Learn more about how to avoid the freshman 15.
Freshman 15 Stories
Share your story about the freshman 15 on the Freshman 15 Stories page.
Freshman Fifteen Site Comments
"The Freshman Fifteen Team has done a great job pulling together useful resources into a well-organized, attractive, and fun site. New and returning college students will benefit from the information and guidance."
--Nancy Small, Composition and Technical Writing Instructor, Texas A&M University
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