College Freshmen at Risk for Positive Energy Balance!

A new study done by Rutgers University researchers suggests that college freshmen are at particular risk for disordered eating. The study showed that on average students gain 7 pounds during their freshman year in college. This results from a "positive energy balance" of approximately 112 excess calories per day. If left unchecked, this could result in a staggering 27 pound weight gain by graduation! In addition, this leaves these students particularly vulnerable to the college freshman triad of Type II diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, commonly known consequences of obesity (are we allowed to say that word or do we need to come up with a euphemism using the word "open?"). The Council of College Presidents is expected to issue guidelines for recognizing and treating disordered eating of this sort. The authors noted that recognition begins with the patient looking downward and determining if she can see her belt buckle.


Ok, ok, poor attempt at humor, but isn't this simply the opposite of what everyone seems to be up in arms about with female athletes?