There are two “f” words that no one wants to hear in the same sentence. The “Freshman Fifteen” is the dreaded theory that the transition from home to college brings with it about 15 pounds in extra baggage in the first year.
It is fairly common knowledge how students are dealing with the issue at this time.
Younger people generally have a few options, one being a preventative method of starting a work-out routine early on in the school year. Others, who feel their weight creeping up as they struggle to fit in clothes from their high-school days, choose to either combat the change with diet and exercise or do nothing about it and wish that they had.
To figure out how various generations feel and deal with the fear or reality of weight gain, an unscientific poll was conducted in different buildings around campus.
Having a positive self-image, overall clean bill of health, and moderation are the keys to creating a solid self-esteem.
Some students are not always as concerned about the numbers on the scale, but rather welcome change in their appearance as a part of the growing up process.
“I was really thin, so I didn’t mind putting on weight, but I definitely gained around 15-20 pounds. I would like to tone up around the midsection, but everything else is fine,” Kamy Pennon, 22, senior English major said.
Even generations removed from the college scene of today can still recall the pressures of society, pushing the boundaries of vanity. The “Freshman Fifteen” may not have personally influenced everyone’s schedules in college, but even males who did not take part in the craze, did feel its influence.
“I heard about it from other people, especially females. I saw the stress that it added,” Warren Young, 31, director of sports medicine said.
For married individuals, the fear of the “Freshman Fifteen” has long since faded and new priorities have taken its place.
It does not mean, however, that the issue of weight completely disappears, but instead takes a new shape in the old adage of “letting oneself go.”
“What happens is, once you transition out of college, your focus re-shifts. Everything else in life is primary, and exercise is secondary,” Allyson Smith, 36, a journalism major said.
Diet fads have been around for a long time, and are as memorable as they were dangerous.
“You had the Dolly Parton Diet where you ate cabbage soup for a week. Diet pills back then, are today known as ‘speed,'” Angie Hill, 44, administrative secretary for the math department said.
These days it is hard to escape the reminder of diets; they are everywhere. Facebook even advertises the outstanding results that celebrity diets could yield.
It’s important to remember that a temporary diet will only result in temporary results, and a decision to lose weight should be thought out and discussed with a doctor or trainer.
To contact Student Health Services call (903) 886-5853, or ask for Connie Kercher, assistant director of fitness at the Morris Recreational Center, (903) 468-3185 for more information about starting a diet and/or exercise program.