Weight-gain in nursing school

[Cfitz]

I really hope I'm doing this starting-new-thread thing right...

Anyway, about gaining weight. During orientation last summer with the 2nd year students, everyone said to order our uniforms a little big, since we'd all gain weight. I poo-poohed it because it's not like I'm a freshman who's never been away from home and would be eating cafeteria food every day. And the truth is, I really haven't changed the way I eat at all. BUT I'VE GAINED WEIGHT JUST LIKE THEY SAID I WOULD!! BUGGARS!

Is this true for a lot of people? What causes the weight gain - could it be stress? It's crazy! I've gained probably 7 pounds since first semester and I hate it! I've cut back on my calories but haven't lost any weight. I really do feel like it may be a stress-reaction.

Anyone?

[SmetRN2008]

When I was taking all of my pre-req courses I actually lost weight, but I've gained 3 pounds so far in the nursing program (just started 2nd semester). I'm not really sure though if it's because of school or the holiday season. I have been trying to eat healthier and exercise because I really don't want to gain a ton of weight. I've always been a small person and would like to keep it that way :)

[lainith]

I am trying super hard to get in shape before I get into the Nursing Program. I have been back on Weight Watchers since October, before I decided to to go back to school. I have lost 70lbs so far and hope that I will be able to stick with the program and exercising a couple of times a week to keep from gaining in the next couple of years. The biggest key is that I pack my lunch any days I will be away from home for meals, like at work and school and I take really low cal snacks like fruit and veggies and 100 calorie packs of snacks to keep me going. LOTS of water, good for so many reasons. I hope these habits will stick with me because I want to keep losing!

[Gennaver, MSN]

Hi,

Oh yeah!

My weight hasn't increase but, gosh, due to all the forced sitting, (class, studying and testing) my inches surely have! Just the other day I figured to measure my waist and voila, and extra 2.5 inches since Aubust 2005!

Not happy about that but, too busy to fit in my exercise right now...hmph.

Gen

[BoonersmomRN]

I gained the freshman 20 and the sophomore 20 and god help me if I gain the junior 20...lol

[Transient]

I'm a warrior medic. I forbid myself to gain weight. I'm going to run 5 miles tomorrow.....hoooah!

:smilecoffeeIlovecof

[BouBou]

I talked to a cousin in Nursing School and she suggested to sign up for a PE class like aerobics or weight lifting. She says it really relieves stress and she hasn't gained a pound, but has toned up and trimmed down. The classes are only 1 or 2 credits, two days a week, and are Pass/Fail with an attendence policy. I really like this idea. When I get into Nursing school I will take her advice.

[sissyboo]

I've just been doing pre-reqs and thank god I haven't put anything on! I'm a Subway junkie and MAKE myself walk between classes!! I never thought about recording lectures...but I'll be sure to make habit of it!! My area doesn't have very good sidewalks or anything, but we do have a park with a walking trail..to the end and back is a little over a mile! If its rainy outside I make a quick trip outside school under the awning then use the extra time to study. I'm hoping I can maintain something similar to this during nursing school!

[Coloradogrl]

I havent gained weight but I have found myself wanting to slip back into some pretty bad old habits(I have been battling a eating disorder for the past 12 years) I find that when I am busy and running around I have a "excuse" not to eat and live off :smilecoffeeIlovecof I find that in situations like this I tend to "prefect" my eating disorder so I have been really trying to NOT slip back but I do find myself beginning to slip down that slipperly slope.

This past year I was able to get "healthy" and put on a good ammount of weight so I just keep telling myself that I need to stay focused and not let myself get back to that place.

[Medwynn]

Sometimes eating and studying go hand in hand. I think i've gained about 10 pounds since fall 05. You can mostly see it in the face.

I've switched to diet mt dew (mmmm) ... and started to go to the gym atleast 3 times a week for an hour. My energy levels are up and i feel great.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

I havent gained weight but I have found myself wanting to slip back into some pretty bad old habits(I have been battling a eating disorder for the past 12 years) I find that when I am busy and running around I have a "excuse" not to eat and live off :smilecoffeeIlovecof I find that in situations like this I tend to "prefect" my eating disorder so I have been really trying to NOT slip back but I do find myself beginning to slip down that slipperly slope.

This past year I was able to get "healthy" and put on a good ammount of weight so I just keep telling myself that I need to stay focused and not let myself get back to that place.

Good for you.

I don't know how you feel about groups; I'm not trying to get into your business - if you're going to go to nursing school at or near a university they may have a student group for folks with EDs. I'm sure there will be others there working through similar trials and being together might help.

Good luck and I know you can do this!

[charebec65]

I didn't really gain any weight in PN school until I quit smoking. Since I quit (June 3, 2006) I've gained about 30 pounds..... argh! I've changed some of my eating habits which has helped. I'm limited as to physical exercise due to health reasons. I'm bridging LPN to RN now. I've discovered that our cafeteria grills Boca (soy) burgers so I've been eating them every meal I eat there.

[Ready]

oh my gosh yes ive gained 20lbs my doctor got on to me. its true though it happens