Student Wellness Office (765-494-9355) - Services: information and resources on weight loss and gain, eating issues, etc.; free nutrition counseling for Purdue students.
Beating the “Freshman 15”
Are you worried about the “Freshman 15?” Provides tips on how to manage your weight during your first year at college.
Freshman 15 – Myth or Reality, Myth or Reality?
Find out if the “Freshman 15” really exists. Provides rationale for why some students may gain weight during their first year at college.
How to Avoid Negative Eating Patterns
Are you worrying about controlling your weight? Provides a list of suggestions that help to deal with your fear.
The Importance of Breakfast
Have you heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? Find out why. Learn the facts and myths, plus quick and healthy breakfast ideas.
Dining Hall Tips
Provides suggestions on how to eat a healthy and balanced diet in the dining halls.
Campus Food Stash
Do you need ideas about what to eat while you are on campus and in between classes? Provides ideas for healthy and tasty snacks.
Crash Course in College Fitness
How do you fit physical activity into a busy student schedule? Provides suggestions on fitting in physical activity.
Freshman 15: Fact or Fiction?
Obesity. 2006 Aug;14(8):1438-43.
A study conducted at the University of Oklahoma during fall 2004 and spring 2005 with 137 students; a significant weight gain of 2 pounds was found, which does not support the purported ‘freshman 15” weight gain widely talked about on college campuses.
Changes in body weight and fat mass of men and women in the first year of college: A study of the "freshman 15"
Journal of American College Health. 2006 Jul-Aug;55(1):41-5.
A study conducted at Rutgers University with 67 first year college students. The mean change in weight was 3 pounds, which does not support the purported ‘freshman 15” weight gain widely talked about on college campuses.
Freshman 15: Valid Theory or Harmful Myth?
Journal of American College Health. 2002 Jan;50(4):171-3
A study done at a small university in Iowa, and reported in the January 2002 issue of the Journal of the American College. found no significant weight gain at the end of one year. Furthermore, freshmen who worried about gaining 15 pounds were more likely to think about their weight, have a poorer body image, and categorize themselves as being overweight.
Freshman 15 drops some pounds
USA TODAY. October 23, 2006.
A study conducted with students at Purdue University and Brown University found that students gained an average of 8 pounds during their first year. Weight gain continued during sophomore year. This study has not yet been published.
The College Student's Guide to Eating Well on Campus, revised and expanded by Ann Litt, M.S., R.D.
Written by a nutritionist whose specialty is helping young adults develop normal eating habits and maintain a healthy weight.
Available for purchase at Tulip Hill Press
The Dorm Room Diet by Daphne Oz
Written by a 20-year old woman based on her experiences at Princeton University; provides eight steps for preventing weight gain in college by establishing a healthy lifestyle plan.
Available for purchase at Amazon
College Eating Guide - Provides suggestions for why college students may be at risk for weight gain.
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907 USA, (765) 494-4600
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