We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Increased water weight

lcamero2
lcamero2 Posts: 52
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Hi, I am trying to increase my water intake to at least 10 cups a day. Last time I tried this I got so freaked out by how much weight I was gaining (I know it was only water weight) and how it was not going down, even though my salt intake is less than 1500 a day and my diet remained consistent (with the exception of the increased water intake), that I stopped and reduced my water intake to only 3-4 cups a day.

I am determined to stick to it this time and keep my water intake up, but I am wondering how long did it take you to finally notice that your body was letting go of the extra water. When can I expect my body to adjust and for the water retention to subside?

Replies

  • MissKMN
    MissKMN Posts: 119
    I usually notice my body dropping water weight (from food/sodium/weight workouts) in a day or two. Sometimes it can take up to a week.

    Weigh yourself in the mornings, BEFORE drinking anything and after peeing, to get an accurate weight not affected by water intake. Don't let it freak you out.
  • NoAdditives
    NoAdditives Posts: 4,251 Member
    It's different for everyone. I don't think I noticed any water retention as I increased my water consumption. I did it slowly though. I didn't go from drinking no water to 12 glasses in a day.
  • RMinVA
    RMinVA Posts: 1,085 Member
    You need to give it @ least 3 days, maybe a little longer. Your body will suck up everything like a sponge @ first, but will then decide to start letting go.
  • Qarol
    Qarol Posts: 6,171 Member
    hmm, I tend to gain weight if I don't drink enough water. I can tell if I'm a bit dehydrated b/c my ring will be tight. If I don't get at least 8 glasses one day, I don't bother looking at the scale the next day b/c I know I will be retaining water weight. I dunno. Maybe once your body gets used to that much water, it won't like getting less. That's where I am.
  • lcamero2
    lcamero2 Posts: 52
    bump... how long did it last for other people?
This discussion has been closed.