All data and coding materials are available from the second named author at the mailing address above.
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Original Article
The Freshman 15: A Critical Time for Obesity Intervention or Media Myth?†
Article first published online: 18 OCT 2011
DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6237.2011.00823.x
© 2011 by the Southwestern Social Science Association
Additional Information
How to Cite
Zagorsky, J. L. and Smith, P. K. (2011), The Freshman 15: A Critical Time for Obesity Intervention or Media Myth?. Social Science Quarterly, 92: 1389–1407. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-6237.2011.00823.x
- †
Publication History
- Issue published online: 27 OCT 2011
- Article first published online: 18 OCT 2011
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Objectives
We test whether the phrase “Freshman 15” accurately describes weight change among first-year college students. We also analyze freshmen's weight change during and after college.
Methods
This is the first investigation of the “Freshman 15” to use a nationally representative random sample, the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY97). The data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis, simulations, and longitudinal analysis.
Results
Freshmen gain between 2.5 to 3.5 pounds, on average, over the course of their first year of college. Compared to same-age noncollege attendees, the typical freshman gains only an additional half-pound. Instead of a spike in weight during the freshman year, college-educated individuals exhibit moderate but steady weight gain during and after college.
Conclusion
Anti-obesity efforts directed specifically at college freshmen will likely have little impact on obesity prevalence among young adults.