Weekends at Ohio State typically feature restaurants filled with students until the early hours of the morning.

Many students leave the bars and get the urge to head right to their favorite campus area restaurant for some late-night food. Around campus, students have a variety of choices including pizza, hamburgers, sandwiches, chicken fingers and tacos.

While students might seem hungry in the moment, it is best to think before eating. One of the biggest health risks to college students is excessive weight gain.

“An extra 100 calories every day adds up to 10 pounds a year,” said Liz Weinandy, a clinical dietitian at the OSU Medical Center.
When eating fast food, especially late at night, it is important to look at calories and fat.

High calorie intake can lead to weight gain, and high saturated fat can increase the risk for heart disease, said Weinandy.
After heading to the bar or a house party, it is natural to feel the need
to get food.

“When the body metabolizes alcohol, it drops your blood sugar and leaves you feeling ravenous,” said Weinandy.

Before going out drinking it is important to eat a healthy meal, especially one high in carbohydrates. The carbohydrates will help keep your blood sugar level more stable and can make you feel less hungry later on in the night.

“I usually think about the heath benefits of the food I eat, but after drinking I forget all about health and go with whatever looks good and comes with fries,” said Jessica Trajanovski, a fourth-year in family resource management.

Weinandy said it is possible to eat healthily anywhere you go if you know what to look for. It is important to look for smaller portions, light dressings and vegetable options. You can also skip the side items such as french fries, or share a meal with a friend.

Restaurants have also been offering patrons healthier meal options in recent years. Taco Bell has a “Fresco menu” offering low-fat tacos, Jimmy John’s has “Slim Subs,” Donatos has vegetable pizza, and Subway offers a variety of six-inch fresh sandwiches.

Cutting back and watching what you eat are not the only ways to have healthier habits. While drinking, it is important to remember to drink in moderation.

Weinandy said to remember calories in drinks. She said it is better to drink light beer or distilled liquor with a low-calorie mixer.
“Mixed drinks are where you will run into trouble. They are filled with sugar,” said Weinandy.

Another important part in fighting weight gain because of late night eating or drinking is exercise. Weinandy said it is best to have 150 minutes of exercise a week. This amounts to 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week.

OSU is a large campus and “walking around campus helps,” said Weinandy.

For students concerned about their weight, eating or drinking habits, OSU has dietitians on staff at the Wellness Center. This is another resource to help students combat unhealthy dieting habits. OSU dietitians are included in the OSU student health insurance plan.