A new study on college weight gain asserts that the oft-fabled freshman 15 is actually more like the freshman 2.5 to 3.5. Researchers from Ohio State University and the University of Michigan-Dearborn have deemed the freshman 15 a media myth, finding that college freshmen, on average, only gain about half a pound more than young adults not enrolled in college.

Students are having difficulty finding nutritional information for many food items on campus. Although Dining Services posts nutritional information, including calorie and fat counts online, it is not comprehensive and is sometimes misleading. The information is missing for many items.

As federal officials emphasize the importance of healthy eating, the newly released 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans challenge Washington University dining menus to meet higher standards.

Many college students are all too acquainted with the phrase “Freshman 15.” But according to a recent study on freshman weight gain, the Freshman 15 may be just a myth.