Research
Adherence
College enrollment, particularly the first semester, is associated with significant weight gain (average 1.5-6.8 lbs) and decreased physical activity, with effects often maintained over 4 years.
Be aware that your first semester of college is a critical time for weight gain. Limit exposure to 'all-you-can-eat' dining halls and high-fat snacks. Prioritize physical activity even if your schedule is tight, as this gain tends to persist through graduation.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
During the first 3–4 months of college, students gain an average of 1.5–6.8 lb... Recent research following students across 4 years of enrollment indicates that this weight gain is maintained over time, with females on average gaining 3.8 lb and males gaining 9.3 lb from freshman to senior year
Why this rating
Supported by multiple small studies and longitudinal data, though the paper notes 'little research' has explored causal mechanisms in depth.
Source
Emerging Adulthood and College‐aged Youth: An Overlooked Age for Weight‐related Behavior Change
Melissa C. Nelson et al. · Obesity · 2008
narrative_reviewCited 1,295×
Read the paper This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →