If you are already a college student, you must have heard of “freshman 15.” The term commonly refers to the amount weight gain during a student’s first year at college. However, new evidence indicates it is a myth.

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When you reduce physical activity and increase the consumption of high calorie foods like pizza, while adapting to the new environment,  weight gain is an inevitable result. However, several studies indicate that the average weight gain is 7.5 pounds, and the people who gain more than 15 lbs only account for 10% of the total.  Most of the student’s weight gain comes over the four years, rather than a short-term surge. Some students at IU agree. Wes Duke, an athlete, admits consumes a lot of food, but exercises to burn off the calories.

But this does not mean students can hit the dessert bar and grab the beer. What determines weight comes down to  five things: eating habits, eating while studying, eating late at night, eating snack food and emotional eating.

The freshman 15 is more likely to be called freshman 7.5 now. But experts say the same stress that can raise a person’s weight may have the opposite effect on others. The study points out 15% of students can lose weight during their freshman year. IU student Zejia lost 30 pounds.

“I kind of control my diet,” Zejia said. “I go to Kroger every weekend for purchasing ingredients for breakfast.”

Studies indicate that for international students, freshman 15 is more likely to occur. While adapting to the huge differences in foreign cultures, the dietary habits  change dramatically. Compared with other students who are attracted by Western food, Zejia most often ate food from the salad bar his freshman year.

Zejia believes the freshman 15 is not a big thing around the campus, and that in the face of tempting food, students can have a healthy lifestyle anyway.

“I think as far as you have a strong self-discipline and mentality,” Zejia said. “You’ll definitely getting yourself away from this ‘freshman 15’.”

Experts say students should find the right way to stop the weight gain from happening. Part of college life involves finding effective ways to maintain students’ personal health. The study shows that being overweight as a young adult can be associated with being overweight in old age. Experts say keeping a healthy weight as a young person is essential.