How much weight did you gain/lose over application season?

Question

I friggin' gained 20 pounds over the 6 months I labored over my applications, because of all the stress and lack of sleep and unhealthy eating habits, and whatnot. The holidays didn't help, either. Now I need to lose them before interviews start, if I get any interviews, that is.

How much weight did you gain/lose?

How much weight did you gain/lose?

Aenigma · Answer

Ha. I was wondering about this too.

I was convinced I had gained a significant amount of weight during the last couple of months of applications - though, mind you, I am petite so "significant" really means something like 5+ pounds. I've hit the gym  maybe  once a week during this time, though I'd hazard less, and I snack heavily when I am writing essays.

Turns out I haven't gained much at all. Maybe a couple of pounds? Not more than I would during a normal winter, anyway. No doubt my mother would have commented otherwise.

My guess is that all these nights staying in my apartment working on apps has resulted in far fewer dinners out on the town, and though I quickly blasted through my only bag or two of chips, I've barely left the apartment to buy groceries. It's been a lot of three-minute Thai Kitchen soups and microwave popcorn for me! Not exactly healthy but they won't fatten ya up either.

On a related note, all this staying in has actually helped me save a significant portion of the awful $1500+ in application fees I've spent. No shopping, restaurant dinners, beer tastings, vacation. And I'm frugal to begin with.

LB20 · Answer

I'm with Aenigma in terms of not spending $$/time on dinners out, drinks etc. I have been an anti-social hermit for the past 3 months and it has ended up with me actually losing weight and it taking only 1 drink to feel anything. Should be interesting when I emerge back into my social life again :shock:

shadow · Answer

i think i've lost 2 lbs so far... i've been trying to hit the gym at least 3x a week, although some weeks it was 0, and some weeks it was 5x.

theDreamChaser · Answer

I can't wait to get back to my running routine after my last app~ I didn't gain much weight, but I think my muscles are all turning into fat now...I got sick twice during the past six months, I think the stress is really compromising my immune system!

futurestrategist · Answer

Same here. Once all my R2 apps are in, I will be hitting the weights and treadmills 3x a week to make up for the downtime

asimov · Answer

I think it's normal to gain some weight during the "winter hibernation" period, since we work out less. I usually get about 5 pounds during the winter and lose it off in the summer.

theoutlawfades · Answer

I've gained at least 15-20 pounds since I started this whole process. Mostly due to the more frequent eating out as opposed to cooking for convenience. Hopefully I can lose that weight before going back to school and start saving the money I was spending while going out to eat!

eminent · Answer

I put on about 15 lbs. over the course of my 2-year application process. Working on being disciplined and getting some of it off now.

unplugged · Answer

I guess, I belong to the few who do not gain any weight.

Despite the tedious application process, I have managed to hit gym regularly( like 5 times a week on an average)

Cheers,

Unplugged

destinationmba2010 · Answer

i gained a few pounds thanks to all my unhealthy eating habits. havent hit the gym in like 4 months.

so my new year resolution is to get back into my old pants.

egy · Answer

Thankfully didn't gain any weight even though in the past 2 months i went from going working out 4-5 times a week to maybe 1-2. I consciously cut down my food intake, but it's still tough to predict how things will turn out.

That said, I also feel like much of my muscle has turned to flab. it's a sad state, but starting next week, things will be looking up.

2012dreams · Answer

gained 10 due to not cooking when i come home and not going to the gym. i'm ready to take my life back this week, going grocery shopping today!

ykostyuk · Answer

Didn't gain any, but that's because I was going to the gym religiously - helped me take the stress off and clear my head. And I tried to munch on the healthier stuff while writing essays - I know I can get really bad with that

ThomasD · Answer

Uhhh great weight gain..... something to look forward to..... I haven't noticed anything yet, then again I am in the very early phase of prepping for the GMAT. I suppose time will tell...

visitorrr · Answer

I thought I was alone over here... I've gained probably 10 pounds, haven't gone to the gym in 7 weeks and I desperately look forward for application season to be over (with R3 berkeley). Until now, I hate my mba.

jankynoname · Answer

So do ppl normally gain weight when they start the program? Is it like the "freshman 15" thing from UG? I can't imagine I'll be eating as much good food since I'll be on a tighter budget, but I guess cheaper does not always equate to less food... (i.e. McFatty's)

theDreamChaser · Answer

I saw a lot of free junk food that b-school students fought over during my visits....so ya, i think freshman 15 is definitely possible

colequinn · Answer

Before I started my apps I ran almost every day. I completely stopped for about 4 months but also was too busy to eat and drank way too much coffee. Lost about 10 pounds. Crazy

How much weight did you gain/lose over application season?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards