Fat Fresher Syndrome or the Fresher’s 15 as it’s known in the US is the phenomena of weight gain during the first term of university and is caused by the severe change in lifestyle which most new students undergo.
For most having just left home the move to university is a time to break away from the rules you were forced to adhere to at home. Being free from parental guidance for the first time and in control of what’s in the fridge many freshers at first make the most of this and eat and drink what they want whenever they want.
Common lifestyle changes which come hand in hand with being a fresher are often the causes of weight gain after leaving home. Many students will be doing less exercise, eating late at night, eating quick food which is normally more unhealthy due to the on the go lifestyle and hectic schedule that comes with uni life. Similarly it is common to drink more alcohol in the first term of university.
Despite being called the Freshers’ 15 it seems that weight gain is not as dramatic as this on average but the proof is in the pudding. As well as the kebabs, burgers, pizzas, ice-cream and chocolate which are all a staple of the fresher’s diet.
What’s more I’m afraid to say that its girls that have to be wary of this ailment as girls are able to gain more weight than boys. To add salt to the wound he weight will be spread around the girls whole body whereas in men it tends to head straight for the belly.
To help this is recommended that you make sure you’re getting three meals a day and plan your meals so you’re not tempted to go for the quickest and most calorific option. And of course it goes without saying that being more active will also help.
Not only making it a bit harder to do up your jeans but weight gain also effects your studies making you more stressed which will affect your academic performance.
Danielle Almond
