All these additional calories contribute to the myth of the “Freshman 15,” the amount of weight gained during a student’s first year at college. Although the myth might seem logical, we must question the validity of the Freshman 15.

Seventeen magazine first mentioned the Freshman 15 more than 20 years ago. But since that article was published, the myth has endured, sending shivers up the spines of incoming students — those who are female, at least.

“Coming into college, the Freshman 15 was a big concern for me,” communication freshman Maddy Messerly said. “Everyone talks about it. What I am worried about the most is making unhealthy food choices in the cafeterias and getting too busy with schoolwork to have time to work out. It helps that my roommate and I are on the same page though, and can motivate each other to be healthy.”

Many factors contribute to the Freshman 15, but for college students, alcohol plays a primary role.

The caloric contribution of alcohol is astonishing. According to WebMD.com, beer is deceptively high in calories and a pitcher of 60 ounces contains about 800 calories the same amount in a typical fast food meal. Alcohol also entices us to overeat by reducing eating inhibitions in those who are restricting calories. The paradigm of binge drinking followed by fast food is an experience familiar to many Spartans.

The lifestyle of a college student can be a minefield of unhealthy choices. The all-you-can-eat cafeteria mentality, accompanied by a surplus selection of appetizing foods, can lead one to overeat. In addition, students often use the excuse of busy class schedules and social calendars to skip out on meals and sleep, leading to weight gain.

All of these potential factors in weight gain make the Freshman 15 seem true, but research shows that is not the case for most students. Several studies following first year students all debunked this myth. The average weight gain was only about 2-3 pounds and only half of the students gained any weight. Some actually lost weight. Both the Journal of American College Health and Social Science Quarterly have published such findings. The Freshman 15 is more accurately labeled the “Freshman Plus or Minus 3.” The most surprising thing was that men gained more weight than women. But men need not fret, because males do not reach full development, at least in muscle and bone mass, until their mid-twenties.

So what is a student to do to stay healthy in an environment of easy access to calorie-dense food and drink? There are many strategies. In the cafeteria, MSU offers an online resource, eatatstate.msu.edu, with a MSUtrition option to track calories and nutrients. Sparty’s also displays a U-Strong guide that highlights the best food choices. Physical fitness also must play well with good eating habits.

At one of the largest campuses in America, take the Spartan advantage and work out while trekking to class to put the myth of the Freshman 15 to rest.