The Freshman 15: A Myth?

College freshmen are often targeted as the subjects of health and fitness campaigns. The popular idea is that students in their first year of college are sedentary and often gain as much as 15 pounds, the so-called "Freshman 15." A new study suggests that freshmen shouldn't be the only concern.

A study conducted at Indiana University and presented at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association found that college seniors are significantly less active than freshmen. They are more stressed, they exercise less, and they spend far more time sitting. This has lead researchers to conclude that students gain more weight in their later years of college as compared to the earlier years.

The online survey questioned 1,672 Indiana University students about their physical activity habits. Freshmen reported spending an average of 16.5 weeks engaged in some type of exercise, while seniors spent only 12. This sedentary lifestyle caused students to leave college with higher Body-Mass Indices.

It is important for young adults to establish healthy living patterns. Perhaps this new study will propel education officials to re-think their wellness campaigns.

Photo Credit: Keith Parker