The concept, which said students entering university in their first year gained 15 pounds, was discredited by an Ohio State University researcher, Jay Zagorski.
The study will be published in the December issue of Social Science Quarterly.
NBC's Today Show reports:
"The 'freshman 15' is a myth," said Zagorsky, co-author of the study that is believed to be the first nationwide look at the purported phenomenon. "There is no 'freshman 15.'"Instead, all-you-can eat cafeterias, being away from home, less physical activity and high calorie drinks may cause some students to gain weight, but few students gain 15 pounds their first year of school, much less all four years of college.
Women gained an average 8.9 pounds over four years of college, while men gained an average 13.4 pounds.Some 25 percent of students actually lose weight during college.
Also, young adults who don't attend college but are the same age often gain the same amount of weight as those who are enrolled at a university.
Zagorsky discourages the use of the phrase "freshman 15" because it leads to unnecessary fear among students entering college.