Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Fluctuations in Weight Loss Daily

You timidly step on the scale after a weekend of cocktails and overindulging, only to do a double-take. It disgusts you that you’ve gained back the pounds that you’ve been working so hard to lose. But before you lose your chill, it’s important to know that day-to-day weight fluctuations are normal. An adult’s weight fluctuates five to six pounds a day, depending on when you eat, drink, or sleep.

 

Even if you exercise daily and eat clean, it’s still natural for your weight to change from time to time. So don’t overthink the next time the number on your weighing scale goes up by a few pounds.

 

What Causes Weight Fluctuations?

There are different factors that make your weight fluctuate from time to time. These include:

 

• Food or water intake: You gain a few pounds after every meal, no matter how clean you eat. Food and beverages weigh something, so it’s expected that they add to your body weight. Healthy foods and water, however, are easy to digest. So the healthier you eat, the less your weight fluctuates.
   

• High sodium intake: Food high in salt causes your body to retain more water. You can balance your sodium levels by adding magnesium and potassium-rich foods to your diet.
   

• Alcohol intake: Alcohol stays longer in your system than other drinks. It slows down digestion and causes water retention.
   

• Urine and stool weight: An average adult passes 128 grams of stool every day. This explains why you lose a few pounds every time you have a bowel movement.

Why Does Your Weight Fluctuate from Night to Morning?

You might notice a difference on the scale in the morning and at night. Typically, your body completes its metabolic processes at night and gets rid of excess water in the process. This is why you see a lower number when you step on the scale first thing in the morning. The number may increase when you have your first meal. And depending on how much or what you eat during the day, your weight might go up by up to five pounds.

 

Why Does Your Weight Fluctuate During the Day?

Weight fluctuations during the day could result from drinking a lot of water or eating salty foods. These fluctuations don’t mean that you’ve gained fat. You can minimize them by doing away with unprocessed food in your diet and limiting your sodium intake.

 

Hormonal fluctuations can also cause temporary weight changes. This explains why you gain a few pounds during the first few days of your menstrual period. However, you should be concerned if your weight changes drastically during your cycle. It could be a sign of hormonal imbalance.

 

What Is the Best Time to Weigh Yourself?

Weigh yourself first thing in the morning and in the middle of the week if you want to track your weight. Most people indulge in alcohol and processed food during the weekend, leading to high water retention. This may give you misleading results.

 

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