Its normal for your weight to go up and down a little each day.
Morning weigh-ins tend to show lower numbers since your body loses water overnight through breathing and sweating.
What Plays a Part in Daily Fluctuations?
Photo composite by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health; Getty Images
Your bodys water content can vary by up to 5% throughout the day.
The food and drinks in your system can also add a little weight.
Digestion and water loss typically bring your weight back down.
However, things likeconstipationcan increase weight due to waste buildup.
When you start a new diet or exercise plan, your body uses stored energy known asglycogen.
Stress
Stress triggers the release ofcortisol, the stress hormone.
Cortisol puts the body in survival mode, which boosts appetite, metabolism, and water retention.
Alcohol Intake
Alcohol can cause dehydration, temporarily lowering your weight.
However, it can also lead to water retention, especially when consumed with salty foods.
Medications
Steroidsanddiureticsare some of the most common medications that cause weight shifts.
Illness
Dehydration from fever, vomiting, or diarrhea can result in weight loss.
However, conditions like heart or kidney failure may cause fluid build-up and weight gain.
Many people weigh more on weekends and less during the week when routines are more regular.
Seasonal changes can also affect weight.
Holidays centered around meals often lead to weight gains of about 12.2 pounds.
Such weight changes can sometimes signal underlying health issues, even in the absence of known health concerns.
Water retention, digestion, exercise, temperature, hormones, medications, and illness can cause these changes.
Knowing whats typical can help you spot changes that might need attention.
The goal isnt to stop temporary, minor weight fluctuations but to understand patterns and keep healthy habits.
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