The so-called Freshman 15 — the legendary weight gain that supposedly afflicts many college freshman — can be more accurately called the freshmen five-to-seven pounds, according to two recent studies conducted by researchers at Brown University. But, unfortunately for most students, researchers also found the weight is usually there to stay.

The studies show that, while freshmen usually do not gain a full 15 pounds, students often gain two or three more pounds of unwanted fat their sophomore year. The studies also suggest that students fall into a weight-gain pattern that could be more dangerous than a rapid gain that eventually plateaus.

The studies, which were reported to the Obesity Society in Boston on Oct. 22, were the largest ever conducted on the subject, involving more students — particularly more male students — and over a longer period of time.

The first study — at an unidentified private university in the Northeast — examined 382 students, 40 percent of whom were male. The students’ weight was measured four times throughout the course of freshman year.

According to the study, while students gained an average of five pounds, one out of six gained at least 10 pounds and 6 percent gained 15. The study also suggested that men may have more to fear than women.

Brown University’s second study examined young adults’ tobacco use, as well as how college students’ weight gain affected tobacco use.

The study involved 907 students enrolled at a Midwestern public college — 55 percent of whom were male. Students were weighed four times throughout their freshman year and again at the end of sophomore year.

The results shows that students gained an average 7.8 pounds by the end of their freshman year. By the end of their sophomore year, students were an average of more than 9 pounds heavier than when they entered college.

Again, males tended to gain slightly more weight than females, although the study says the reason for this is not known.

Dr. Thomas Wadden, the director of the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders at University of Pennsylvania, said students’ weight gain is the result of multiple factors.

“College is probably the first time an individual is exposed to all of the food they can eat, all day and all night.

“There are also changes in physical activity,” he continued. “Some kids may have been athletes in high school, but are no longer athletes in college.”

However, Wadden said overeating is not only the student’s fault.

“It is a tricky issue,” he said. “Students need to be aware of weight gain. On the other side, colleges can do their part. College cafeterias should serve more reasonable portions.”

While further studies attempt to confirm the primary causes of the weight gain, most students have their own theories.

“It’s like a buffet,” said Xiomara Forbez, a College of Arts and Sciences freshman, referring to Warren Towers’s dining hall. “Its not that the food is bad for you, but there is so much of it, and it is already paid for.”

CAS freshman Aviel Tanzer placed some of the blame on students’ work loads.

“It can be 3 a.m., and if you’re writing a paper, you might get something to eat,” he said. “It gives you an excuse to procrastinate — and more energy. It takes 20 minutes to walk to Shaw’s and then more time to eat. You don’t even have to be hungry.”

Allison Books, spokeswoman for BU’s Nutrition and Fitness Center, offered her advice to students trying to stay fit during the school year.

“BU is a wonderful walking campus, if you choose to give it a chance,” she said. “Simply walking to class instead of taking the T or using the stairs instead of elevators on a consistent basis are good places to start to shift the balance.”

“Enjoy your treat after eating a balanced meal instead of eating a treat for a meal or snack,” she continued. “You only have to be in excess of 200 to 300 calories per day to continue to put on two to three pounds per year.”