For years, the theory of the Freshman 15 has been around. That’s when first-year college students allegedly gain 15 pounds because of their sudden change in lifestyle.

Is it true? Sort of. One dietitian says that studies have found that freshmen do gain weight but it’s usually not 15 pounds. It’s usually somewhere between 4 and 10 pounds.

Men are most likely to gain the most because of “adverse and lower quality eating patterns.”

How can students combat weight gain?  The dietitian says freshmen shouldn’t skip meals and not drink all of their calories. Co-eds should also review their meal plans, have snacks ready and move around so that they aren’t sedentary.