The ‘Freshman 5’: A Meta-Analysis of Weight Gain in the Freshman Year of College

Abstract

Objective: (1) To use the available research to estimate the amount of weight gained by college freshman during their first year of college. (2) To identify potential predictors of freshman weight gain. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted in November 2008. The analysis focused on articles published in English scientific journals between 1985 and 2008 available on the MEDLINE, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases and excluded studies of weight change over periods beyond freshman year. Results: Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Based on a pooled sample of 3,401 cases, mean weight gain was 3.86 (95% confidence intervals [CI] = 3.81–3.91) lbs. Potential contributors to gain were recent dieting, high baseline weight, and psychological stress. Conclusions: The first year of college is a period of vulnerability for weight problems. Further research is needed to better understand freshman weight gain and devise appropriate prevention strategies based on predictors of gain.

Keywords:

• college students
• Freshman 15
• meta-analysis
• obesity
• weight gain

Notes

^aWeight change is self-reported.

^bParticipants were highly concerned about their diet and weight, therefore results of this study can only be generalized to populations concerned about weight gain.

^cThis group is a subset of the total group (N = 290) that was tested at the end of first year whereas the rest of the participants were tested at the end of second year.

^dIntervention study; only control group is reported in table.