Beyond the “Freshman 15”: Understanding Weight Gain in Hispanic First-Year Students

The transition to college is a critical period for Hispanic students, often accompanied by disrupted health habits and the risk of the “freshman 15.” Using data from students at a Hispanic-Serving Institution, this study investigated factors associated with the probability of weight gain during the first year. Logistic regression analyses assessed the association between behavioral, contextual, and lifestyle factors and a binary outcome of weight gain status. Employment status, fast food consumption, vending machine access, stress-related eating, and substance use were significant predictors. Findings highlight that behavioral and contextual factors—rather than demographic characteristics alone—play a central role in explaining the risk of “freshman 15,” providing insight for targeted prevention strategies during the college transition.