Is it possible that I've gained?

MeganKSchultz

I have been at this for almost 2 weeks. Four days ago I weighed myself and I'd lost 4 lbs. Since then I've weighed myself a couple of times and the scale said I'd gained 2.5 lbs. The difference is that I typically weight myself before I eat anything in the morning and the last two times were after eating (once right after breakfast, once in the evening.) I have been exercising every day and eating under my calories (although barely, usually about 30 under.) Is it possible that I've gained? Is there something else I could be doing? And hormones are not a factor, I'm on the shot so I haven't had a period in two years.

ApexLeader

probably just water retention. you'd have to eat a lot of calories to actually gain 2.5 lbs in a few days.

your best bet to keep track of whether you are losing or gaining fat is to measure yourself and forget about the scale. your weight fluctuates so much daily and weekly that if you don't know what you are looking for then it will just confuse you, so instead why not measure your neck, waist, hips, calves, thighs, forearms, bust and biceps once a week and that will give you a better picture of whether you are losing fat, gaining muscle, a mixture of both or neither.

fairie_marie

Never weigh after eating. The best time is right when you get up after using the bathroom. Always use the same scale in the same spot on a flat surface. And do so naked or close to it. Your clothes can weigh a few pounds and doing so after eating you are weighing the food you just consumed.

I agree with the past poster.. get a measure tape and measure as well.. This really helps.. I did not lose lbs this past week but I lost a total of 5 ins through out my body...

Qarol

To truly be accurate, you want to weigh at the same time of day on the same scale, wearing the same amount of clothing (ideally: none). Otherwise, you're comparing apples to oranges.

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

If the scale is going to drive you crazy then weigh once a week. Yes, food in your system will make you weigh more. Always weigh in the same state of dress (or undress) at the same time (first thing in the morning is most accurate).

Realize that scale weight isn't just a measurement of fat. You're also weighing water, muscle, organs, bones, food in your digestive tract, and whatever clothes you're wearing. The scale is only good as a trending tool. When I was losing weight I would drop 1 lb, gain 2 back, then slowly lose it again until the next drop. You can't let it freak you out.

2 weeks is not a long time in the scheme of things. Be patient, stick your goal, log everything, and be patient.

auddii

Water weight can fluctuate up to 5lbs or more in a single day. Keep an eye on your sodium, and if you're going to weigh daily, realize that those fast gains and losses don't mean much. If you can't handle the wild swings on the scale, weigh less frequently.

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

Also do the math. 1 pound of fat is roughly 3500 calories. So to gain 2.5 lbs you would have to have eaten 8750 calories above your maintenance calories.

ilonawie

I usually weight myselft every week (every Thursday) in the morning before breakfast. Same time same day.

TavistockToad

Never weigh after eating. The best time is right when you get up after using the bathroom. Always use the same scale in the same spot on a flat surface. And do so naked or close to it. Your clothes can weigh a few pounds and doing so after eating you are weighing the food you just consumed.

I agree with the past poster.. get a measure tape and measure as well.. This really helps.. I did not lose lbs this past week but I lost a total of 5 ins through out my body...

this!