The “Freshman 15” – the dreaded weight gaining process that is doomed to most college students the day after high school graduation.

Once high school ends, the unnoticed luxuries begin slipping away – organized sports, forced P.E. and a regular eating schedule. These things are replaced by late night eating, a stressful workload and the consumption of alcohol — all of which force extra calories and unwanted weight into the body.

Although some students do experience massive weight gain, the “Freshman 15” is rumored to be a myth on the large campus of the University of Illinois.

“I’ve gained some weight, but nothing near 15 pounds,” said Meredith Carroll, freshman in Business. “I would say it should be called the ‘Freshman 5.'”

Carroll eats well-balanced meals with small proportions. Her key is to add different spices to her food to add flavor instead of reaching for various sauces full of calories.

“The ‘Freshman 15’ is extreme,” said Kevin Sheahan, freshman in LAS, thinking about the weight he and his friends have gained over the year.

Carroll and Sheahan both attribute many freshmen’s weight issues to drinking and eating late at night.

Most freshmen are more concerned with having fun, not counting calories or watching the amount of fat they consume. Kendall Erickson, a senior in ALS and employee of The Mettler Center, a workout facility located on Green Street-feels that students should work out to be healthy and live a healthy lifestyle.

“Leaving high school is different,” stated Erickson. “There are no more (organized) sports, and there is a lot of time to sit around and snack.”

By trying to make healthy choices, a freshman can easily avoid putting on extra pounds. Instead of pizza, choosing a sandwich, or instead of pasta, a salad. Walking to classes instead of taking the bus or simply using the stairs instead of the elevator are small changes that could lead to significant results.