According to a common college myth, freshmen come home for winter break about fifteen pounds heavier than when they moved into their dormitories. However, the actual average weight gain is closer to five pounds, according to Cynthia Bulik, director of the Eating Disorders Program at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.
Part of why freshmen gain weight is that dining halls are now open all hours and provide all-you-can-eat helpings.
"It's like a smorgasbord on a cruise ship," Dr. Bulik said.
High school students should not to go on reducing diets or engage in other dangerous weight-loss techniques the summer before college. Instead, Dr. Bulk advises students to go to college "as robust and healthy as you can." Concentrate on eating fruits and vegetables, and eating meals at regular times of the day.
"Remember that you are so much more than your body," she said. "Don't think that your success in college either academically or socially is just related to your weight and size."
Posted By: Jane St. Clair
