How My NROTC Experience Affected Weight Loss

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During my freshman year at the Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC), I, like most of my fellow midshipmen, experienced a significant weight loss. However, my high school friends did not face the same situation, as they were either young parents or married without any social engagements that would lead to consistent weight gain. This stark contrast highlights the varied experiences of freshmen in college, particularly concerning weight gain during this transitional period.

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Rising to the Challenge on the Rowing Team

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My college experience expanded when I joined the rowing team. Rowing required a maintaining a specific body weight, which meant that even though the "Freshman 15" wasn’t associated with our group, some members of the team, myself included, experienced gains of at least 15 pounds. This increase in weight was partly due to the rigorous training and the necessary muscle development.

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Comparison and Contrast with High School Friends

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When comparing my experience with that of my high school friends, the stark differences became more evident. Most of my friends had already established stable lives, either as young parents or married individuals, and therefore did not partake in the social and dietary habits that are often associated with college freshmen. Our lunch breaks and snack times were carefully managed to ensure we maintained a balanced diet and avoided indulging in calorie-rich junk food.

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No Freshman 15 Worry Back Then

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One of the most surprising aspects of my college experience was the lack of awareness about the "Freshman 15" phenomenon. I was unaware of any statistics or articles warning about the typical weight gain during the first year of college. This absence of knowledge made it more challenging to manage expectations and prepare for the changes in my physical condition.