by Andrea Francese

Every countless high school graduates pack their bags and ready themselves to leave the nest, but the threat of a dreaded weight gain looms. Some suggest that the freshman 15 is merely a myth, but recent studies show that there may be some truth to the notion.

According to a research study published in the Journal of American College Health are likely to gain five pounds their freshman year of college. Several other studies have found that following the freshman gain many students likely will follow up that gain with two or three pounds the following year and the trend will continue throughout college.

The same study has found that men are likely to gain more weight than women their first year of college. The most staggering finding in the study has little to do with the actual poundage gained, but rather the study indicated that college students are transitioning from normal Body Mass Indexes to Overweight BMIs rather quickly and much of it is attributed to gradual weight gain patterns that may follow them the rest of their lives.

The Freshman 15 is not a myth, but is somewhat overestimated and lulls college students who have not gained the dreaded freshman weight into a false sense of security, allowing them to pack on poundage later in their college careers.

While the study is somewhat alarming there are several ways for college students to avoid packing on the pounds.

The biggest problem students face is a plethora of food options. Many colleges offer up a buffet-style dining experience to students for breakfast, lunch and dinner. While it might seem difficult to stop at just one plate, portion control is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight.

Even when you're in college, breakfast is still the most important meal of the day. For the individual who is finally on his or her own for the first time, making time for breakfast can be a challenge, especially when balancing late nights with early a.m. classes. Eating a healthy breakfast will ensure that students have the energy to make it through the day.

Another factor that contributes to weight gain is late-night snacking. Many dining halls close their doors around 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. Those all-night study sessions create peak conditions for binges. It's natural to want to hit the drive-thru, but why not opt for keeping healthy snacks on hand? Fruit, granola bars, yogurt are a few ideal alternatives.

Going off to college is a huge adjustment, especially when you consider the workload for first-time students. It's often difficult to make time for physical activity. However, it's not so say there aren't plenty of resources that students can utilize. Universities and apartment complexes offer free gym facilities to students. There are also plenty of group and individual sports to join that are also a great way to meet people.