By: Emily Chin   Date: 7/27/11

Note: This is Part 2 of a 2 Part His & Her Perspective on avoiding the "Freshman 15."

In Los Angeles, CA, the threat of the “Freshman 15” is scarier than failing out of CHEM 105A or contracting mono.  Originally from Northern California, I had little concept of this hidden danger when I packed up my belonging and moved to Southern California.  Even before beginning my studies, I joined the USC Men’s Crew team as a coxswain (read: small person that sits in the back of a boat and steers), based purely on my stature.  My weight was a factor in my team’s competitiveness.  Talk about pressure! Compounded with the 20-hour-a-day cafeteria hours, virtually unlimited “dining dollars”, as well as the occasional illicit beer, I quickly discovered that the “Freshman 15” can easily creep up on you – one moment my jeans are just a little snug; the next month, the waistband leaves a perfect impression on my belly; 3 weeks later, I’m afraid the elastic in my socks is going to cut off the circulation to my feet.

In this fantastical land of hard bodies and Hollywood, it seems as though everyone is an aspiring actor or sportscaster.   While a sophomore, I had a brief brush-in with exercise anorexia followed by binge-eating disorder – both of which are easy to succumb to when hours are inconsistent, pressure is high, and societal stressors wreak havoc.  The flipside of the Freshman 15 is the danger of falling victim to eating disorders, a growing issue among young adults of both genders. According to the Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness, “91 % of women surveyed on a college campus had attempted to control their weight through dieting”.  Indeed, perhaps the pervasive attention on avoiding the Freshman 15 has caused even more anxiety. 

The emotional high of strictly controlled eating, exercising for hours on end, or sneaking tub after tub of peanut butter is just as addictive as buttery-light donuts and salty French fries, but anything in excess can be a poison. 

To avoid the Freshman 15 and to keep your cool in every year of college (every year of life, really), just keep in mind the following: moderation is key – moderation of portion size, physical activity, diet, knowing your emotions, even controlling how you do and see your work.  Do you know when to step away from the books or the computer for a quick break?  What is the best balance of carbohydrates, fats and proteins to stay strong and satisfied?  As an additional, first-person resource, most college campuses and businesses offer free counseling services

Besides nutritionists and health professionals, your network of family and friends is essential to your mental and physical health.  My teammates and family provided the support and, in my case, nonchalance necessary for me to move beyond the number on the scale and, rather, focus on feeling good.

The Freshman 15 is scary.  However, it is not inevitable, nor is it the end of the world.  Even if young people gain or lose a few pounds, overall health and wellbeing are more important.  Rather, ensuring strong social bonds, maintaining a healthy lifestyle which incorporates regular physical activity, eating balanced meals, and hopefully getting passing grades should occupy our students.  Besides, the Professional Pounds are even scarier.