Durham, N.C. - As first-year students settle in to college life, they need to guard against a condition popularly known as the "Freshman 15." The name refers to the extra pounds that some freshmen pack on during their first year on campus.

Marilyn Sparling, a dietitian-clinician at Duke University Medical Center, says several factors contribute to the Freshman 15, including a new environment, more stress and late-night socializing. She also says meal plans at campus cafeterias are a tough temptation.

"You go in, you take it off your meal card, and you have 10 different stations you can go between and there's no limit. You just eat much more than you're typically used to eating, because it's there. It's like a buffet."

Sparling recommends passing up the vending machines and keeping nutritious snacks in the dorm fridge -- fruits and raw veggies with low-calorie salad dressing, low-fat cheese and high-fiber crackers. And don't neglect exercise.

"Students need to figure out how they can get more activity, whether it's going to the gym or just going walking with a friend. When you're stressed out over an exam or something, get out and walk."

I'm Cabell Smith for MedMinute.