Ever weigh yourself one morning and get excited about your weight-loss progress, only to step on the scale the following morning to see the number has jumped up four pounds? Frustrating, right? Hey, we get it. However, using the scale to measure weight loss is not the most effective tool. Regardless, if you really want to know why the number on the scale changes from morning to night or day to day, keep reading.
The truth is, weight fluctuations are totally normal and happen for a few different reasons. Here are five of the most common reasons why your weight can fluctuate from day to day:
1. Water retention. Your body can retain water due to factors like high sodium intake, dehydration, and hormonal changes, which can cause temporary weight gain. Water is good for you so don't think about cutting back just because it might make you weigh more. Stay hydrated, y'all!
2. Food and fluid intake. If you've eaten a big meal or consumed a lot of fluids, your weight may temporarily increase due to the added weight of the food and liquids in your body. You know that feeling after a big meal, the one where you have to unbutton your pants? We've all been there. No judgment here!
3. Hormonal changes. Ladies, you know what we're talking about here! Hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle can cause water retention and temporary weight gain. Dare we say the B word? Yep, bloating. Sigh.
4. Exercise. If you've been doing intense workouts or lifting weights, your muscles may retain water to aid in the repair process, causing temporary weight gain. Please note, this weight gain is NOT fat and does not indicate you are gaining weight.
5. Bathroom habits. Yes, it's true – when you go to the bathroom can affect your weight! If you haven't gone in a while, your weight may be higher due to the amount of, ahem, waste in your body. If you're feeling especially backed up, you may want to consider doing a cleanse or trying Daily Detox by Nu-Tek Nutrition.
Now, while weight fluctuations are generally normal and not something to worry about, there are some situations when you should be concerned. If you experience rapid weight changes, unexplained weight gain or loss, changes in appetite or energy levels, or have a family history of weight-related health issues, you should speak to a healthcare professional. These could be signs of underlying health issues, such as thyroid or hormonal problems, cancer, or heart disease. If you are concerned about weight fluctuations, consult your healthcare professional to rule out any health concerns.
If it's just normal weight fluctuations but it's still bothering you, we recommend ditching the scale and opting for other measures of progress, such as body measurements and how your clothes fit. Beyond that, consider getting a body composition analysis scan. You can stop by your local Nutrishop store and step on the InBody or Evolt 360, which can show you what your body is made of in terms of water, skeletal muscle, fat and more! If the scale is simply not budging, check out these potential culprits!
