And What Parents Should Really Be Watching For When It Comes to Their College Student’s Health
This week, I had the honor and privilege of being quoted in TIME Magazine about why the phrase “Freshman 15” does more harm than good. For decades, this term has been tossed around casually—as if gaining or losing weight during the first year of college is something students should be monitored for, judged by, or even expected to fear.
But here’s the truth: weight alone is not an accurate measure of health. More importantly, focusing on weight in this way reinforces harmful cultural messages that equate worth with body size and can actually increase a student’s risk for disordered eating.
As I shared in the article, language matters. When we reduce the college experience to how someone’s body might change, we might often miss the bigger picture: the emotional, social, and academic pressures that make this life stage so challenging—and so critical—for long-term well-being.
Why the “Freshman 15” Is Harmful
Parents and students alike often shrug off the phrase as a harmless joke. But research and clinical experience show otherwise:
- It reinforces diet culture. Students may feel pressure to control or shrink their bodies rather than focus on nourishing them.
- It stigmatizes normal changes. College brings shifts in eating schedules, activity, sleep, and stress—body changes are natural, not shameful.
- It distracts from real red flags. Parents may miss early signs of disordered eating if they’re only paying attention to the scale.
What Parents Should Look For Instead
Instead of worrying about pounds gained or lost, tune into your student’s overall relationship with food, exercise, and self-care. In a previous blog I wrote about Supporting Your College Student’s Health: Spotting Early Signs of Disordered Eating and Body Image Struggles. Some of the most important red flags to watch for include:
- Drastic changes in eating patterns (skipping meals, cutting out entire food groups)
- Anxious or irritable moods around food or meals
- Frequent dieting, “clean eating,” or rigid food rules
- Compulsive exercise or feeling the need to “burn off” calories
- Withdrawal from social meals or avoidance of eating with family/friends
These behaviors are what signal that your child might be struggling.
How Parents Can Respond
If you notice these patterns, respond with curiosity and compassion rather than judgment. You might say:
- “I’ve noticed you seem stressed at meals—how have things been going for you at school?”
- “College can be overwhelming. What’s been the hardest part for you to manage lately?”
The goal isn’t to “catch” your student doing something wrong, but to open a door for them to share how they’re feeling.
Shifting the Conversation
The takeaway from both the TIME Magazine piece and my work with families is this: our language and focus must shift from weight to well-being. Parents can play a powerful role in reshaping this narrative by emphasizing health, balance, and emotional support—not body size.
Getting Support
If you feel uncertain about how to approach these conversations or want guidance on supporting your student, that’s where I can help. At AK Chase Consulting, I work directly with parents and caregivers to help them feel more equipped, grounded, and aligned with their student’s treatment and well-being.
Learn more or schedule a consultation at www.akchaseconsulting.com.