As parents, we prepare ourselves for the big university departure with emotional farewells, late-night phone calls about feeling isolated or lost, and the occasional existential crisis over course choices. But one thing we might not expect is the mysterious phenomenon known as the 'fresher five'.
No, this isn't the name of a new boy band or a secret society. It's the average weight gain that students experience in their first year at university — around 5 kg (or 11 pounds). It sneaks up on unsuspecting students faster than you can say 'free pizza' or 'happy hour'.
What Causes the Fresher Five?
University life involves making a number of questionable choices. From late-night kebabs and two-for-one pints to all-you-can-eat dining halls, students are suddenly responsible for their own nutrition. And it shows!
Add to that a poor diet, stress, a sedentary lifestyle fueled by empty calories and energy drinks at 2 am while cramming for exams or finishing an assignment at the last minute, not to mention hours spent on Netflix or gaming, and it's clear these habits are not conducive to healthy digestion or involve any kind of exercise.
Is It Really That Bad?
Well, yes and no. While the 'fresher five' is real, it's not universal. Some students gain more weight, some less, and some even lose weight (those who forget to go shopping). However, it's not the numbers on the scales that are a concern; it's the habits that stick around longer than student loan debt.
Studies show that weight gained during early adulthood tends to be fat rather than muscle. Unfortunately, this fat doesn’t disappear when they graduate. So, while your child may laugh off their tighter jeans now, they may not be so amused in the future.
What Can Parents Do?
Before you start sending nagging texts suggesting they eat kale and give up beer, take a deep breath! The aim isn't to micromanage their meals from afar; it's to equip them with a few survival skills.
Here’s what helps:
- Encourage them to think about a balanced diet. An occasional treat is fine, but it's important to include vegetables and exercise in their diet.
- Talk about wellbeing. Focus on their mood and mental health, not just their weight.
- Lead by example. If your own eating habits are still those of a student, maybe it’s time to upgrade them?
Most importantly, don't shame them. University is a time of growth. Be patient. A little weight gain is normal and often temporary. What matters is helping them build a foundation for long-term health, rather than causing short-term panic or resentment, and risk them not wanting to come home for fear of being criticized.
So, next time your child comes home with a suitcase full of laundry and a slightly rounder face, smile, hug them, and put a few apples in their backpack. Just don't mention the word 'diet' unless it's followed by 'of Netflix and naps'!
Philippa Dobree-Carey is an adept project manager for an international organization in Geneva. Author of the award-winning student guide "From High School to Uni", Philippa successfully steers students step-by-step through the process of packing, preparing for and thriving in the university environment.
With a passion for helping others, Philippa's insightful blogs provide a wealth of practical advice, guiding students (and anxious parents!) with firsthand experience, tips, and insights. As a devoted mother of two university aged children, she understands the concerns of those navigating this transition. This firsthand perspective has driven her to create a library of well-defined, pragmatic resources aimed at facilitating the transition to university life. Discover a treasure trove of invaluable resources by visiting her website www.fromhighschooltouni.com
Philippa photo credit: Timeless Portrait Photography - Amber Roberts Images
