Weight Fluctuations Are Infuriating: Here’s Why They Happen

Have you ever jumped on the scale and the number on the screen just about made your head explode? You look down and wonder how the heck you’ve gained weight after you’ve worked so hard all week to burn off stubborn body fat and lose weight. Weight fluctuations are enough to make you want to toss your scale out the window and spend the rest of the day on the couch eating potato chips but there are actually a few reasons behind why you may be experiencing weight fluctuations (in both directions) so don’t stress too much.

Below, you will find six common reasons why you may see weight fluctuations up and down. These changes could be due to one reason in particular or many that have compounded. Regardless, look at all six causes and narrow down what the culprit could be, and work towards fixing the issue.

1. Too Much Sodium

When it comes to sodium intake, it’s a double-edged sword. If you are an active individual or an athlete, you absolutely need sodium in your diet and in higher quantities than a sedentary individual. Those who are active demand this vital electrolyte to help maintain proper fluid balance. However, just like what was just mentioned, if your body isn’t requiring sodium to replenish what was lost from say sweat, it can have a negative effect on your weight.

One of the biggest causes of weight fluctuations is high sodium intake. The increased intake can pull water and cause you to retain it. You may notice this if you ever ate an extremely salty meal and when you looked in the mirror you appeared bloated and puffy. Eventually, your body will correct the issue and the excess water retention can be excreted but if you wanted to eliminate this issue, pay close attention to how much sodium you are taking in each day and in what quantity per meal.

2. Large Meals

The next reason for weight fluctuations should make a lot of sense. If you stepped on the scale first thing in the morning after fasting all night and then stepped on the scale after dinner the same day, your eyes may pop straight out of your head. The swing in weight is probably a fairly noticeable increase (several pounds). That doesn’t mean you gained that much body fat or weight in less than 24 hours, it’s simply the difference between having zero food in your system to start the day and being three or more meals deep when you step on the scale later in the day.

Don’t get frustrated by the yo-yo effect going on with your scale. Instead of weighing yourself in the afternoon or evening, try to do it in the morning to prevent weight fluctuations from affecting the numbers. Likewise, if you had a huge meal right before bed, you can expect to see the numbers show higher the following morning to reflect that large meal. Don’t get frustrated, these weight fluctuations happen to everyone if you aren’t paying attention to when you hop on the scale.

3. You’re Backed Up

If you aren’t comfortable talking about poop, well, move onto the next reason for weight fluctuations. The fact of the matter is, your weight can increase by simply not staying regular. If you aren’t taking in enough fiber daily, it can throw off your schedule and how often you “drop the kids off at the pool.”

Related Article: Squatty Potty: Legit or a Total Piece of Shit?

Not enough fiber (as well as not enough water) can back you up and when you’re backed up, you’re going to see the number increase on the scale because you aren’t eliminating waste effectively and efficiently.

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