Revisiting the freshman 15: Female freshman weight status, dietary habits, and exercise habits

ABSTRACT

The transition from adolescence to young adulthood is a vulnerable stage for young women. Entering this period of individuality in college is a crucial time for young adults to adopt or maintain healthy lifestyles to continue throughout their lifespan. This study looks at freshman females in college and their perceptions of health. A positive significant relationship was found between those who have gained weight since the beginning of the year and those who rated themselves as having not healthy to slightly healthy eating habits (p = .007). The results of this study indicate that interventions for college-aged freshman could be highly beneficial.

KEYWORDS:

• College weight gain
• freshman 15
• freshman female
• freshman weight change