With rising obesity rates, the United States solidifies an example of culturally influenced weight issues and is considered one of the fattest nations in the world. College campuses in the United States are the perfect example of cultural clout. The large number of freshmen who achieve the "freshman 15" stereotype can be explained through poor diet and exercise practices developed in college and university dining establishments. It's a common concern for college students to get close to gaining fifteen pounds as they adjust to school life. A great approach to help clarify such an issue is to talk to students about this health issue that continues to thrive. Universities need to take more action and include a health and wellness segment in our Univ. 1000 lessons where students will learn what they should eat and what habits to avoid. Today, innovative orientation for college freshmen is a six-month, often mandatory college-credit course designed by teachers and administrators. The course often contains information about academic policies, time management, and academic success. Adding a health and wellness segment to your course will help increase students' knowledge of nutrition and fitness and address the common experience of weight gain during the first year of college. The goal is to have nutrition communication students present a nutrition topic at the Univ. 1000 lessons while teaching the health and wellness component. The transition from a high school environment to a university environment presents many changes in the lives of college freshmen. Unfortunately, students don't leave home quite prepared for the world of late-night pizza and alcohol consumption that characterizes most students' college years. Many are......halfway through......school because everything will already be included in the curriculum. Overall, staying healthy and active while juggling school work and a social life can be difficult, but the benefits usually gained from it are endless. Therefore, it is extremely important to maintain a healthy diet and dedicate time to physical activity to stay fit and healthy. The segment will fill students with information to stay healthy and active to combat the dreaded “freshman 15.” Works Cited International Business, Times. "'Freshman 15': Weight Gain, Researchers Say." International Business Times 10: Regional business news. Network. December 2, 2013.Zagorsky, Jay L., and Patricia K. Smith. “The Freshman 15: A Critical Moment for Obesity Intervention or a Media Myth?” Social Science Quarterly (Wiley-Blackwell) 92.5 (2011): 1389-1407 Web Source. 2013.