Issue date: 8/28/07 Section: Diversions

Media Credit: Scott McIntyre Photo illustration

Media Credit: Scott McIntyre Photo illustration

For some freshmen during the first week of school, walking up the Hill comes with ease. The second week may not be as easy. Toward the end of the semester the trek up the Hill might be equivelant to a 10-mile run.

The Hill's not getting steeper, but freshmen are getting fatter. During the first semester of college, many incoming freshmen gain what is known as the "Freshman 15."

The Freshman 15 is the expected weight gain for most freshmen during their first year of college.

Weight gain can be a huge wake-up call for most freshmen.

Bowling Green junior Jon Baasch said he thinks that unhealthy eating habits develop during students' freshman year of college.

"I gained more like the Freshman 30," he said. "It's from going to Fresh Food all the time."

According to a study at Cornell University, pizza is a main culprit in the weight gain of underclassmen. The study indicates that freshmen often snack during study sessions, usually ordering pizza for its convenience of being able to be delivered.

One slice of Papa John's pan-crust pepperoni pizza contains 400 calories, according to www.papajohns.com.

If a student eats four slices in one sitting, they've consumed 1,600 calories. That is more than half the daily recommended value of 2,000 calories a day.

Yet, not all freshmen are victims to the Freshman 15.

Hartford senior Lisa Johnson thought back to her freshman days recalling that she didn't have the progressive weight gain.

"I went to Preston a lot and didn't eat fast food," Johnson said.

She was able to stay at a healthy weight all throughout college. By living on campus, she had convenient access to the Preston Center, she said.

With so much time spent sitting around studying, students' bodies cannot burn off some of those unhealthy comfort foods.

"Concentrate on what your mother has served you at home," said Carol Lawerence, a spokesperson for Weight Watchers. "Eat a small portion of protein, whole grains, vegetables and some kind of dairy as a well-balanced meal."

Lawerence also suggested limiting the intake of cookies and crackers.

Healthy snacks that Weight Watchers recommends include fresh fruits, yogurt and carrot sticks.

The fitness aspect of living a healthy lifestyle might be new to some college freshmen.

"Have people come into the health and fitness lab because we have a weight training program that can accommodate to their needs," said Alissa Arnold, the fitness coordinator at the Preston Center.

Weight loss programs on campus are very affordable for students, she said.

Reach Katharine Greene at katharine.greene684@wku.edu.