College freshman weight gain isn’t myth

TEMPE, Ariz. — College students are packing on the pounds.

Studies of university students’ eating habits show that they can gain anywhere from six and a half to nine pounds during their freshman year and 10-14 pounds during their college years.

Arizona State University dietician Melinda Johnson said that late night pizzas and snacking while cramming for tests are part of the problem.

“It can be very common for students to munch on chips just because they’re kind of stressed, or bored, or studying,” said Johnson. “Those are extra calories that your body’s not asking for.”

Throw in the fact that a lot of them are more sedentary than they’ve ever been, and that makes it worse.

“They’re sitting, they’re studying and they’re going to class, and they’re just not getting the activity that they used to get,” said Johnson.

Then there’s the alcohol factor.

“For some of them, it’s the first time in their life that they are drinking,” Johnson said. “Alcohol really does add on a lot of calories, depending on how much you’re drinking.”

She suggested a glass or two of water in between beers.

“Slowing down the drinking on purpose can help,” said Johnson. “Drinking water every other time is one way to get through that night with three beers instead of 12 beers, for example, or six beers.”