FRESHMAN COLLEGE STUDENTS: Now that you are in college this fall, chances are good that you will gain weight during your first and second years on campus.

A study funded by the federal government found that males gained an average of 5.6 pounds, while females added 3.6 pounds. One out of six first-year students added 10 or more pounds during the first year of college, while 6 percent gained a whopping 15 or more pounds!

Things get worse the second year. At the end of their sophomore year, males weighed an average 9.5 pounds heavier than when they started college, while females added 9.2 pounds. And since males have a much larger body frame, the weight gained by females is surprising.

Doctors say that those students who continue to gain weight during their college years seem to have "learning patterns" of gradual weight gain that could spell trouble way beyond graduation. Students overeat generally, because of pressure to "ace" that big exam. It's tempting to nibble on chips and other junk foods while studying.

Knowing that the trend is to add unwanted pounds when attending college, it is important to snack on healthy foods. On all college and university campuses, there are ample facilities to enjoy a regular workout. It will take self-discipline to stay trim, but the sacrifice will be well worth it.

SHE IS IN CONTROL

DR. WALLACE: I'm 19 and dating a young lady who is 20. We both have jobs so we don't see each other during working hours. I'm considered to be a somewhat good-looking guy, and I must be because I've never had a problem getting a girl to go out with me. The girl I'm presently seeing is cute and we have great times when we are together.

I was always the one who ended all of my previous relationships. But now my problem is that I worry all the time that she is thinking about dumping me for another guy even though she tells me that I'm her one and only and that she loves me. This feeling has never happened to me before so I really don't know how to deal with it. I would never consider sneaking around and checking up on her to make sure she is being true to me, but down deep, I really would like to know if she is.

I really think that I'm in love with this girl, and I don't ever want to lose her. I've never let her know that I'm uneasy when we are not together and that I'm always wondering where she is and what she is doing. I would never mention this to her. Do you think this is normal or do I need professional counseling? — Nameless, Portland, Ore.

NAMELESS: In all of your other male-female relationships, you always felt that you were in control and if a breakup was inevitable, you were the one to say, "Adios." Things have changed. Even though the young lady you're dating might not be aware of it, she is in control and if a breakup between you two happens, she will be the one to say, "Adios."

You have not reached the point where professional counseling is recommended for your jealousy, but your self-esteem needs to be boosted. You should always remember this — if this young lady didn't have strong feelings for you, she wouldn't be telling you that you are her one and only, and that she loves you.

It's ironic that your jealousy could be the emotion that eventually could end a wonderful romance. Relax, and just enjoy your dating relationship and it will go where it is destined to go.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at rwallace@thegreatestgift.com. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.