Constipation weighs???

I suffer from constipation and on the days I weigh in, if I'm constipated I could weigh 2-3 lbs heavier than 2 days earlier. Does this make sense? I keep getting frustrated that I'm gaining weight but my diet is superb!

Replies

  • shadow2soul
    shadow2soul Posts: 7,692 Member
    Yes. Bowel movements effect your weight. Your scale weight is more than just fat & lbm. It also includes water weight, the food in your stomach, any bowels that have yet to be released, etc. This is why it's recommended to watch trends over time and not to compare individual weigh-ins.
  • BikeTourer
    BikeTourer Posts: 191 Member
    Yes everything that goes in that has yet to go out impacts what you see on the scale. Assuming you are making the right food choices so you have enough fiber, upping your water can sometimes help move things along. Constipation also can occur it you are too aggressive on you calories/exercise and put your body in starvation mode. Accidentally did that and when I backed off, lost a lot.
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    If you haven't been able to go, of course the scale is going to be higher.
  • AsISmile
    AsISmile Posts: 1,004 Member
    Totally normal.
    One day I weighed before and after visiting the toilet, 2 lbs difference.
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,486 Member
    AlsSmile, I have often thought of doing that, just out of curiosity. Too lazy to haul my clothes off once I am dressed though.

    Thanks so much for your candid report.

    Cheers, h.
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,486 Member
    BikeTourer wrote: »
    Yes everything that goes in that has yet to go out impacts what you see on the scale. Assuming you are making the right food choices so you have enough fiber, upping your water can sometimes help move things along. Constipation also can occur it you are too aggressive on you calories/exercise and put your body in starvation mode. Accidentally did that and when I backed off, lost a lot.

    There is no such thing as starvation mode.

    Cheers, h.
  • LivingtheLeanDream
    LivingtheLeanDream Posts: 13,342 Member
    totally normal to see a rise on scale when having toilet issues....
  • tryin2die2self
    tryin2die2self Posts: 207 Member
    It all is going to even out in the end. Don't get discouraged. Keep on track and the weight numbers will drop.
  • IILikeToMoveItMoveIt
    IILikeToMoveItMoveIt Posts: 1,172 Member
    Magnesium Citrate can help. You can get it pre-made for around a dollar at most stores.
  • Unknown
    edited October 2015
    This content has been removed.
  • AsISmile
    AsISmile Posts: 1,004 Member
    AlsSmile, I have often thought of doing that, just out of curiosity. Too lazy to haul my clothes off once I am dressed though.

    Thanks so much for your candid report.

    Cheers, h.

    You don't even have too. I knew I had to go, so got on dressed and all. Straight to the toilet. After that straight back on the scale, just to know the difference. (Don't worry, did wash my hands after that)

  • Yi5hedr3
    Yi5hedr3 Posts: 2,696 Member
    Take a couple magnesium citrate capsules every day. You be fine.
  • BikeTourer
    BikeTourer Posts: 191 Member
    BikeTourer wrote: »
    Yes everything that goes in that has yet to go out impacts what you see on the scale. Assuming you are making the right food choices so you have enough fiber, upping your water can sometimes help move things along. Constipation also can occur it you are too aggressive on you calories/exercise and put your body in starvation mode. Accidentally did that and when I backed off, lost a lot.

    There is no such thing as starvation mode.

    Cheers, h.

    Look at all the blogs and post about under eating no doing you weight loss program any favors and there are articles related to people who exercises to such a level it rises to the same level as an eating disorder. Typically you only run into this with "weight loss programs" that guarantee outrageous weekly weight loss...

    Maybe starvation mode is not the correct term but you can screw up your metabolism and undermine you weigh loss by being too aggressive, like using your calorie or exercise to create too large of a deficit.


  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    YOUR A OKAY..............
  • _Waffle_
    _Waffle_ Posts: 13,049 Member
    ydyms wrote: »
    I suffer from constipation and on the days I weigh in, if I'm constipated I could weigh 2-3 lbs heavier than 2 days earlier. Does this make sense? I keep getting frustrated that I'm gaining weight but my diet is superb!

    Just use your average for the week as your weight. Don't worry about one specific day.
  • Reinventi0n
    Reinventi0n Posts: 71 Member
    Yes, that can and will effect your weigh ins. Invest in a good probiotic if you haven't yet, it really can help with constipation and getting you to become more regular.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    AsISmile wrote: »
    Totally normal.
    One day I weighed before and after visiting the toilet, 2 lbs difference.

    Yowsas :lol: !!

    I've done that a few times, and it was always a difference of 200ish grams

  • HippySkoppy
    HippySkoppy Posts: 725 Member
    Oh yes indeed it affects what the scale flashes at you.

    You should have seen the numbers after my Pico Lax cleanse....OMG I always knew I was full of *It* just didn't realise how much...... >:)
  • ltsen
    ltsen Posts: 2 Member
    I also have the same problem... Guess I will be hitting up the store and getting some magnesium nitrate! :) I also heard Dulcolax helps...
  • Drink water, as much as you can stomach, first thing in the morning. About a quart is a good goal. I just drink it all at once. You will be surprised how well this works.
  • BruceHedtke
    BruceHedtke Posts: 358 Member
    Magnesium Citrate can help. You can get it pre-made for around a dollar at most stores.

    I haven't tried that (since I'm quite regular, I don't often have to turn to outside help to get things moving) but the one time I tried Epsom salt, I was going in no time.
  • jeepinshawn
    jeepinshawn Posts: 642 Member
    ltsen wrote: »
    I also have the same problem... Guess I will be hitting up the store and getting some magnesium nitrate! :) I also heard Dulcolax helps...

    Oh it helps, I spent most of last wednesday in the bathroom because of it. Cramps were painful...
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,321 Member
    ltsen wrote: »
    I also have the same problem... Guess I will be hitting up the store and getting some magnesium nitrate! :) I also heard Dulcolax helps...

    Magnesium Citrate, no nitrate

    "Magnesium nitrate is toxic, and can cause pain, irritation and redness of the skin and eyes. When inhaled, it causes coughing and shortness of breath. According to ICH World, you should don protective clothing -- including a long-sleeved coat or gown, gloves, goggles and a face mask -- before handling it. If magnesium nitrate gets on your skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash the area with soap and water for 15 minutes. If in your eyes, rinse for 15 minutes with cool water. If you have inhaled the dust, get to fresh air immediately. Taking magnesium nitrate internally causes nausea, stomach pain, faintness, shortness of breath, cyanosis -- or a blue tint to the skin -- and possible convulsions, stupor and death."
  • Barbs2222
    Barbs2222 Posts: 433 Member
    Thanks everyone, you all made me go find this: http://www.livestrong.com/article/551116-the-difference-between-magnesium-citrate-and-magnesium-nitrate/ Is livestrong a trustworthy site?
  • baneenerwiener
    baneenerwiener Posts: 26 Member
    edited October 2015
    totally can happen.. Not sure about your lifestyle what foods you eat or what exercises you do but eating a diet rich in fiber (real fiber from fruits and veg not from supplements), drinking lots of water, and exercising at least 20-30 minutes daily (with a rest day or two) can greatly reduce constipation if not cure it. Warm drinks like warm water with lemon may also help and teas can help a lot. Peppermint tea and ginger tea are specific to aiding digestion and stomach pain so you can try that (: hot tea often helps my stomach