Freshman 15

The freshman 15 stands for the 15 lbs. that most college freshmen gain. If weight management is a priority in your life than be prepared to struggle with the freshman 15. Beer, pizza, and late night parties supply excessive amounts of carbohydrates that are converted into fat. In addition, the metabolism of your youth may be beginning to slow down.

If a freshman doesn’t play intramural or college sports, then sport activity may be left out of the battle to control weight. Generally, high school sports are over, and freshman inactivity may lead to weight gain. The body image of freshman is often related to the days of fitness in high school. Psychologists believe that many times individuals that gain weight see themselves in the mirror with their former athletic bodies.

Freshman should be apart of the college fitness program or some type of weight management program. Excessive beer, pizza, and late night binges with friends only lead to feelings of decreased self-control and temporary happiness with self-image. Often feelings of poor self-image are related to weight gain. It is recommended that a physician be consulted if weight gain is abnormal.

Freshmen are often covered in their parent’s medical policies. However, medical benefits vary widely between programs. Incoming freshman should always find out what medical benefits are offered through the parent’s policy and when they are terminated. In addition, many colleges offer a free clinic staffed by training medical personal, and a few medical professionals.

Generally, these clinics are not equipped to handle major trauma or severe bodily injuries. A freshman suffering with weight gain, would be able to gain advice on weight management from these clinics or their own family physician. Moreover, students with no medical coverage cannot be denied medical service at an emergency room until they are at least seen by a physician and are stabilized.

Medical services are often better at large colleges than small colleges. In addition, medical professionals working at large colleges see more diverse patient populations, and they may have more experience dealing with particular problems. A college freshman should not wait if they are developing a medical problem to see a physician. Go to the campus clinic and seek medical advice, if in doubt or you have medical concerns. Letting an illness worsen before seeking medical attention may result in missed class time and poorer grades. Diseases like sexually transmitted diseases can result in detrimental effects like sterilization if left untreated.