Avoiding Classic College Weight Gain

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

22 Sep 2008 12:25 PM

If your child just started classes at the University of California-San Diego he or she has a better chance of avoiding the dreaded "Freshman Fifteen." At least that's what school administrators maintain.

For the first time ever the popular college is pulling out all the stops to help students avoid packing on the pounds while on campus. The school recently unveiled its Weight Loss Solutions program--a new wellness, weight-management and counseling program designed to get freshman moving.

The program addresses the problems most students face when entering college and living on their own for the first time in their lives. Studies show college co-eds often experience major changes in their activity levels and eating habits. Students who were active in high school sports often find that when they get to college it's a challenge to fit exercise into their busy schedule.

UCSD's wellness program encourages students to incorporate calorie-burning activities into everyday activities. For example, teachers instruct students to take the stairs instead of the elevator or skip the shuttle and walk to campus. The program also gives students the opportunity to meet one-on-one with dietitians for nutrition counseling. At the meetings, dietitians conduct a computerized analysis of the students' diets based on their current intake.

For students who are looking to lose weight rather than avoid gaining extra pounds during the school year, UCSD offers an 8-week wellness program run by the recreation department. The exercise program consists of an initial physical fitness assessment, entrance interviews with wellness instructors and six weeks of small group training with weekly nutritional advice. The class is free, though it is capped at 60 students per session.

Students work out at gyms located on campus and are aided by fellow students and licensed instructors. Some of the exercises students get to choose from include yoga, Pilates, dance, meditation, martial arts, cycling and other group sports.

Does your college co-ed fear the "Freshman Fifteen?" What services does his or her university offer to help students avoid gaining weight?

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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