Private MD News

College students need to be careful of weight gain

Category: General Wellness

Individuals who have weight problems should consider regular blood testing to assess their cardiovascular risks. According to one dietitian, this may include individuals who are about to enter their first year of college. This population tends not to have the best health habits.

"Everything from late-night eating, lack of exercise, increased alcohol consumption and an abundance of all-you-can-eat dining halls leads college students to pack on the unwanted pounds," said Kari Kooi, a registered dietitian at The Methodist Hospital in Houston.

The average college freshman gains 3.5 pounds, according to Kooi. In the interest of helping students adopt healthy habits, Kooi offered several tips.

To prepare for food cravings, it helps to stock the refrigerator with healthy options, such as fruit, Greek yogurt, string cheese and vegetables with hummus. Water makes a better beverage compared to sugary sodas or calorie-laden alcohol.

As busy as college life can be, students should never skip meals because this increases the risk of overindulging later on. Sleep is also important for a healthy metabolism.

To burn calories, walking to class and intramural sports help promote physical activity.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, inactivity and obesity are the most prevalent risk factors for heart disease. College students who are worried about their cardiovascular health may undergo blood testing to measure variables such as cholesterol and glucose levels.