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Print7 Healthcast: Freshman 15
Shannon Kean, Northeastern freshman
"It's a definite concern, I mean coming into college I obviously wanted to avoid doing that and my friends all talked about avoiding it."
Shannon wants to avoid the so called "freshman 15"....gaining 15 pounds in the first year of school. Nutritionists say weight gain in college is caused by a number of factors.
Linda Antinoro, registered dietitian, Brigham and Women's Hospital
"Just having access to being able to eat whenever and whatever, and also having a new lifestyle where they may not be as active ..."
Northeastern freshman Kate Reading knows that all too well--
Kate Reading, freshman
"My mom's a really big health freak we have all organic stuff and she cooked every night i never went out for fast food but here like in the middle of class when I'm on break to get fast food, there's a lot of choices in the dining hall."
To avoid packing on the pounds, experts recommend...
Linda Antinoro, registered dietitian, Brigham and Women's Hospital
"Really pay attention to your eating habits and really stay on schedule as best you can...don't skip meals, have a regular breakfast and have some healthy snacks in your dorm as opposed to some of the not so healthy ones--"
And they remind college kids-choices made now will have an impact in the future...
Linda Antinoro, registered dietitian, Brigham and Women's Hospital
"So as you go into your 20's and 30's and beyond, you're setting yourself up for some health issues whether it be high blood pressure, diabetes or a variety of health ailments."
And the best advice for college freshman:
Linda Antinoro, registered dietitian, Brigham and Women's Hospital
"Pay attention to food choices and activity level and stay mindful of why you may be eating, if it's related to stress or being homesick."
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