You are mostly likely familiar with the "Freshman 15." That's a term describing the 15 pounds college freshmen gain during their first year of college. Recently I was on an online military spouse online connection site and joined a conversation called "The Deployment 20". As I chatted with those on this thread I was made aware of a growing phenomenon among military spouses: Losing/gaining twenty pounds during deployment.

It appears that Army wives noticed that during deployment their weight would fluctuate by 20 pounds from their non-deployment weight. for many the absence of their servicemember meant it was easier to maintain their diet. For others, like this columnist, deployment meant a weight gain during deployment.

Jim (yes, a military spouse) gained weight before deployment and has lost 35 pounds since his wife deployed to Afghanistan as an IA. Tammie lost 15 pounds during her husband's 'short' five-month deployment. Anita determined to lose 20 pounds during her husband's current deployment. So far, she has lost 16 pounds and has six weeks left to make her goal. Kalista gained 18 pounds during her last deployment and is now working out with her husband to get back to her ideal weight.

I cannot say I am surprised by these scenarios but I was surprised to learn that it is somewhat widely known and expected.

So, enlighten me, spouses. Did you hear of this term prior to this blog? And, do you experience this fluctuation in your weight during deployment? Do you roll with it, if you do or do you plan for to lose the weight you lose?

I'm interested in your experiences...Beth