Health Tip: Avoiding College Weight Gain

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(HealthDay News) -- It's common for college freshmen to gain a few extra pounds during those first few months away from home.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says new college students should be aware of these risk factors for weight gain:

Getting insufficient exercise.Having more unhealthy food choices.Snacking more frequently.Taking in more calories, including from drinks that are high in fat and sugar.

-- Diana Kohnle

Health Tip: If You Aren't Hungry, Don't Eat

Weight Gain Shockers Slideshow PicturesTake the Quiz on Belly FatThe Best Diet Tips Ever Slideshow PicturesLatest Diet & Weight Management NewsIs Breakfast the Key to Weight Control?Diabetes Drug Spurs Weight Loss in NondiabeticsObesity Crisis Has Scaled Even the HimalayasObesity, Overweight Rates Jump Worldwide, ReportWant More News? Sign Up for MedicineNet Newsletters!

(HealthDay News) -- People often eat, not out of hunger, but because they're bored and seem to have nothing better to do.

The American Heart Association suggests how to avoid eating for reasons other than hunger:

Make sure you eat three meals per day. You may wind up eating more at mealtime if you skipped an earlier meal.If you binge eat a specific food (such as ice cream, candy or chips) don't keep that food at home.Create a list of things to do in lieu of eating.Exercise for 15 minutes instead of eating, or call a friend to chat.Instead of eating, clean the home or work in your garden.

-- Diana Kohnle