How come I gain 4 lbs. in a day and then lose a lb. a day or

EatWholeFoods

Please help! I want to start losing weight more quickly! I have lost 15-18 lbs. since February, but I keep gaining 4 lbs. in a day and then losing it within a day or 2 as though I am retaining a lot of water. Is it from eating a lot of salt? What else can cause water retention?

abbie017

Sodium. If you eat a lot of it, you'll retain the water. The high end of the daily allowance is 2,500mg, but you really should aim for 1,500mg or less each day.

You can also retain water during periods of intense workout (muscles will retain water to help in the rebuilding process) or in the week before (and sometimes during) your period.

rochey1098

Heavy exercise can cause water retention in the muscles. Also as mentioned: sodium.

EatWholeFoods

Thank you! I looked at my food planner and I am going over sodium a lot. It is good to know exercise can increase water retention as well.

neanderthin

Days where you eat more carbs than normal.

AmyLRed

also, if you are gaining and losing again, its not really a gain, its fluctuation. Only record your weight weekly, and see where you are at!

UponThisRock

Sodium intake doesn't cause water retention per say. A large daily fluctuation intake (UP OR DOWN), which could throw off your sodium/potassium balance could.

Another culprit could be a fluctuation carbohydrate intake.

The bottom like is, while it can be annoying, it's nothing to worry about. If it bothers you, focus on a month-to-month average weight loss to get a clearer picture of progress.

moremari

I was wondering the same. Great info. (just wanted you awesome MFP'ers that you are helping lots of peeps!