College Freshmen Urged to Keep Excess Pounds Away SUNDAY, Aug.
19 (HealthDay News) -- Although the dreaded "Freshman 15" -- a
reference to the pounds gained by new college students -- has
been revealed by researchers to be a bit of an exaggeration,
students should still take steps to avoid gaining unwanted
pounds, an expert warns. Kari Kooi, a registered dietitian at
the Methodist Hospital in Houston, noted that most college
freshman gain 3.5 pounds, but even a small weight gain should
not be ignored. "Everything from late-night eating, lack of
exercise, increased alcohol consumption and an abundance of all-
you-can-eat dining halls leads college students to pack on the
unwanted pounds," explained Kooi in a hospital news release. She
added that gaining weight in college puts students at risk for
chronic disease, including diabetes and heart disease. Kooi said
that there are several cost-effective ways college students can
eat healthy and avoid gaining weight, including: Keep healthy
snacks handy. Dorm room ref