College Freshman Urged to Avoid Gaining Unwanted Pounds - East Idaho News
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College Freshman Urged to Avoid Gaining Unwanted Pounds

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Getty 081712 WeightLoss?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1345409672364Tom Morello/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Although researchers say the 15 pounds thought to be gained during freshman year are a bit of an exaggeration, an expert still urges students to avoid gaining unwanted pounds, Health Day reports.

Kari Kooi, a registered dietician at the Methodist Hospital in Houston said most freshman gain 3.5 pounds, but students should still not ignore even minor weight gains. She said late-night eating, a lack of exercise, increased alcohol consumption and all-you-can-eat dining halls can lead to weight gain, and added that extra pounds put students at risk for chronic disease, such as diabetes and heart disease, according to Health Day.

Kooi said students can avoid gaining weight by keeping healthy snacks handy, drinking water, staying active, eating regular meals and getting enough sleep.

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