It's no secret that healthy habits often go out the window when individuals head off to college. Many young people stop eating nutritious foods that contain high amounts of vitamins and omega-3s and instead begin consuming more pizza and beer.

However, a new study indicates that many young adults also stop exercising during this period, which could have major implications for their health.

For the study, a team of researchers from McMaster University surveyed youths between the ages of 12 and 15 about their exercise habits, then continued to track the health of these individuals for up to 12 years. The results showed that many stopped exercising to a large degree when they hit their early 20s. The drop-off was worst among those who went away for college.

"This is a critical period, as the changes in physical activity during the transition from late adolescence to early adulthood represent the most dramatic declines in physical activity across a person's life," said Matthew Kwan, who led the study.

He added that public health campaigns aimed at increasing exercise rates among young adults may need to be strengthened.