Since the semester is young, freshmen still have enough time to get in a healthier routine to avoid the infamous Freshman 15.

“Prevention is easier than trying to lose the weight later,” said Melissa Hansen-Petrik, a professor in the Department of Nutrition.

When coming to college, freshmen become responsible for themselves and their eating habits, she said.

“Students should avoid fast-food restaurants and vending machines,” Hansen-Petrik said. “It’s okay every once and a while, but they shouldn’t make it a daily habit.”

Tai Perry, a junior on the Lady Vol golf team, said with students being constantly on the run it becomes too difficult to find healthy food.

“Your parents aren’t there to cook you good meals so you eat a lot of fast food,” she said.

Hansen-Petrik said beverages can also add on the pounds.

“Sodas and other sweetened drinks have a lot of sugar and therefore a lot of calories,” she said. “If you drink six cans of soda, you’re looking at 800 to 900 calories.”

Of course, beer is not a good substitute, Hansen-Petrik said, adding that water and milk is the best route to go.

“Students should follow a basic healthy diet like the food pyramid that everyone studies in grammar school,” Hansen-Petrik said. “College students’ pyramids tend to be top heavy – they need to limit these items.”

Remaining active is another way to defeat those impending 15 pounds. In college, student activity levels tend to drop, but with the many fitness options offered at UT students have no excuse for inactivity, Hansen-Petrik said.

Students can join a recreational gym class at the Bubble if they don’t want to work out alone. If you are seeking one-on-one exercise, walking and running on Tom Black Track is always an option.

The Freshman 15 is more than just a college urban legend, it is a warning flag for future health concerns.

“With obesity in the country rising, the Freshman 15 is the first step,” Hansen-Petrik said. “It is important for lifelong health to avoid the 15 in the first place.”

Amanda Beam, a junior in history, said she was worried about gaining weight her freshman year but was able to maintain her weight with regular exercise and a healthy diet.

“I freaked out my freshman year over nothing,” she said. ” If you take care of yourself the way you’re supposed to, you have nothing to worry about.”