Have you ever wondered why weight fluctuates? You might step on the scale one day and be pleasantly surprised that you've lost a few pounds, but then the next day, you get on the scale, and it's up again. What’s going on? Why does weight fluctuate so much? Is it just because we're constantly eating and drinking, or is it something else? Turns out, there are a lot of different causes for weight fluctuations, and it's not always easy to determine why they happen. But in this article, we'll explore some of the most common ones. So read on if you want to find out more.
What causes fluctuating weight?
Weight fluctuations are often caused by fat loss or fat increase when one is actively exercising and dieting to achieve a body goal. There are, however, a slew of additional elements that have an impact on your weight on a daily basis. Let’s take a look at these causes of weight fluctuations.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages
Because alcohol is a diuretic, it makes you urinate more often than normal, and consequently, you may observe slight changes in your weight. On the opposite side, dehydration from alcohol causes water retention. This is because the body attempts to retain fluids to compensate for the loss of fluids caused by alcohol’s diuretic effects. This can lead to a build-up of water in the tissues, causing swelling and discomfort and affecting your weight in the short term.
Read on to learn more: Why Does Alcohol Dehydrate You?
Menstrual cycle
Fluid retention causes swelling in women right before and during their menstrual cycle. Fluid retention and weight rise on the first days of menstrual flow. You’re more likely to weigh less during the mid-follicular phase, around two weeks before menstruation starts.
Read on to learn more: Period Mood Swings
Any medical treatment
Weight fluctuation can be a side effect of certain drugs. Some may cause you to retain water, while others may alter how your body absorbs and stores glucose, resulting in weight loss. If you use drugs to manage diabetes, high blood pressure, mood problems, seizures, or migraines, you may see changes in your weight.
Exercise
Exercise might lead you to sweat and lose water weight. The average individual loses between 25 to 45 ounces of fluid per hour when performing cardio exercises. However, depending on the weather and other variables, this value might change significantly. Other forms of exercise, on the other hand, might result in daily weight swings.
The quantity and quality of food
As your body metabolizes food, it will raise your weight. Food containing a high percentage of water usually promotes short-term weight gain. Furthermore, drinking as little as two glasses of water might add one pound to your weight. However, you shouldn’t forget that the short-term effect of water consumption will positively influence body functions, including long-term weight loss.
Read on to learn more:Dehydration and Its Effect on Body
Variation in salt and sugar consumption
High salt diets may promote water retention. Some individuals are more sodium sensitive than others and retain more water. If you're trying to cut down on big meals, replacing them with salty foods may result in weight gain, even if the weight gain is mainly water retention.
Read on to learn more: The Effect Of Too Much Salt On Our Bodies
Blood circulation
Poor circulation can cause water pooling in the extremities, leading to swelling and weight gain. On the other hand, good circulation helps flush excess fluids from the body and prevents water retention. Therefore, maintaining good blood circulation is essential for preventing water retention and weight gain.
Is it harmful to your health if your weight fluctuates?
You might be wondering when you should be concerned about weight fluctuations. The answer is that it shouldn't be a problem as long as the changes are not severe. Fluctuations might indicate a medical condition or merely an increase in body mass if the scale changes steadily. Health problems related to weight fluctuations may include cushing syndrome, thyroid issues, sleep apnea, and insulin imbalance. So, it’s important to consult with your doctor, in any case, to make sure that your weight loss isn’t associated with a medical condition.
Conclusion
Weight fluctuation is extremely difficult to measure. Your weight can swing throughout the day, depending on what you eat and how active you are. Apart from these daily changes, your weight may vary over the week owing to variables unrelated to weight gain or loss.
Because factors other than a calorie shortfall or excess might cause your weight to change, fluctuations can be particularly bothersome if you're trying to gain or lose weight or if you participate in a sport that needs you to weigh in for the competition. Even a slight rise in weight can cause demoralization. The best time to weigh yourself is in the morning, and you should weigh yourself in a light dress to get an accurate estimate of your weight.
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