<p>You’ve taken the first step and recognized that you have a problem. The good news is that at your age, it’s really not that hard to get rid of the extra pounds. I was able to lose 20 pounds the summer after I graduated from college and again the summer after graduating from grad school by stepping up the exercise and eating less (but still eating pretty normally.) </p>
<p>Here’s some suggestions. If there are parties it’s hard not to drink some, but at the very least you can either dilute what you are drinking with seltzer, and/or limit yourself to two drinks and drink seltzer the rest of the time. Then get back on track about what a normal portion is. Protein- deck of cards, Vegetable - tennis ball, Salad has much as you like but try to stick to one TB of dressing. Limit your desserts to once or twice a week if you’ll feel deprived without them. Look for opportunities to get exercise. If there is a game like racket ball or tennis find a partner. Get to the gym. Take the stairs. Walk places even if you could take the campus shuttle. Skip the fried food and chips.</p>
<p>It’s really, really easy to gain weight at college. You’ve gained more than average, but you can get back to a normal weight.</p>
<p>Yes, and please, please, please stop smoking. Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances around. It is foolish to play with it.</p>