An Examination of the “Freshman-15” in Germany: Predictors of Weight Change in Female University Students

Abstract

The “Freshman-15” refers to an expected average weight gain of 15 pounds during the first year at college in US students. Although an overall weight gain during this period can be observed, most studies found that students gain less than 15 pounds on average. Studies in countries other than the US, however, are scarce. In the current study, 120 female freshmen at a German university were tested at the start of the first semester and again at the start of the second semester (after approximately 6 months). Body mass index (BMI) did not differ between measurements, but participants had 0.2% more body fat at the second measurement. Participants with higher BMI at the first measurement lost weight and participants with higher weight suppression (i.e., the difference between an individual’s highest previous weight and current weight) at the first measurement gained weight. Participants who reported to exercise regularly at the first measurement gained weight, but this effect was driven by those who reduced their amount of physical exercise during the first semester. Dietary habits and eating styles at the first measurement were not associated with weight change. To conclude, no evidence was found for an overall weight gain during the first semester in female, German students. Furthermore, weight change was exclusively predicted by BMI, weight suppression, and regular exercise, while eating behaviors were unrelated to weight change. Thus, it appears that variables influencing energy expenditure are more robust predictors of future weight gain than variables influencing energy intake in female freshmen.