While many students look at the "freshman 15" as merely a hindrance to their attractiveness, a recent study has shown that being 20 pounds or more overweight can shave as much as 20 years off one's life expectancy.
The study, published earlier this month by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, found that obese 20-year-olds can live up to 20 years fewer than those at a healthy weight as young adults. Experts attribute this to the fact that obesity increases the likelihood of developing certain deadly diseases.
"Obesity has long term consequences on many different body and organ systems," said Dr. Frank Carnevale, director of Student Health Services.
Students aware of the dangers of obesity say they pay attention to their diets and exercise regimen.
"It's not like I can eat whatever I want, and I try to work out on occasion," said Jeremy Malik, senior mechanical engineering major. "I know a lot of people who have put on a lot of weight since college, and I just don't want to be one of them."
Being overweight is dangerous and is extremely common among American youths. The latest statistics provided by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey identifies 22 percent of children and adolescents as obese. It has been noted for years by dieticians, physicians and other health professionals that overweight individuals have a higher incidence of Type II Diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Specialists at the University of Alabama have concluded that obese youths begin to suffer from these diseases at a younger age, putting their bodies under an unnecessary degree of stress from the weight.
"Along with smoking and drug abuse, obesity is one of the main health concerns and conditions of the college age population," said Carnevale.
Some students use the snowy weather as an excuse to pack on a few extra pounds during the winter months.
"In the winter, I'm pretty much confined to indoor activities, whereas in the summer I can do whatever I want," said Jesse Fosmire, a senior theater major.
According to Carnevale, however, there are a number of ways to keep in shape while there is snow on the ground. Activities like sledding or walking are always available, but simply taking the stairs rather than the elevator or abstaining from use of a television remote control provide considerable health benefits, he said.
"Simple things like that get you moving around," said Carnevale.
To combat the surge in obesity, plans are underway at UB for fall 2003 to unveil an all-inclusive program directed at students interested in managing their weight.
"We are forming a team to come up with a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach," said Carnevale.
"Right now there is not a program designated specifically to address (obesity)," said Janice Cochran, dietician/nutritionist for Wellness Education Services.
The new program will include a team from of variety of university professionals, including medical staff, counselors, health educators and members of the exercise science department. Each member differs in his or her expertise and is expected to offer a unique approach toward weight management.
"We intend to make this a model for other universities," said Carnevale.
According to Cochran, the program is partly in response to the increasing number of health care providers that consider approaches toward weight loss that differ from the old-fashioned diet and exercise combination.
"We first assess eating habits and lifestyle. Medication is the second line," said Cochran.
Risky alternatives, like medication and surgery, are generally not intended for younger individuals and are primarily used as a last resort.
Students interested in more information about weight loss can visit the Student Health Services Web site at http://www.student-health.buffalo.edu or contact them via phone at 829-3316.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
