This is the most common cause of weight fluctuation…

Many of us, whether thin or heavy, deal with weight fluctuation. Most of it goes unnoticed, but it’s important to know what is normal and what isn’t.

Most doctors agree that normal weight fluctuation is around five pounds, whether gained or lost. But what is the most common cause of weight fluctuation?

The main cause of weight fluctuation is water retention and release.

Water retention can be caused by many different things, including: too much sodium in your diet, not enough nutrients, PMS, not drinking enough water (causing the body to hang onto as much as possible), and some prescribed medications.

Another cause of weight fluctuation is stress. Personally, when I am stressed I lose weight, but some struggle with weight gain when going through a particularly stressful time. So knowing your body, and how it reacts to certain situations, is very important. If stress is a factor in your life, then you should have at least one great method for reducing the chronic tension.

Water retention and release has such an impact on weight that there is even a book that explains how to lose 7-14 pounds quickly by controlling your water retention.

When should you start to worry about weight fluctuations?

A good rule of thumb is to get checked out by a doctor when it starts to affect your life. If your clothes don’t fit, or the amount of weight gained or lost is substantial, this might be a cause for concern.

Whether it’s sudden weight gain, or unexplained weight loss, it’s probably best to investigate what could be the cause (especially if you are having other symptoms).

“One of the medical conditions that is known to produce weight gain that is rapid, as in taking only a couple of days or so to come on, is edema. Edema is typically defined as swelling that is caused by a buildup of fluid in the body. The buildup of fluid is only a secondary development, as edema is usually caused by more serious problems such as kidney disease or even failure of the heart. (As published by FitDay.com)

Sources:

Is Sudden Weight Gain Affecting Your Life? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/weight-loss/is-sudden-weight-gain-affecting-your-daily-life.html

Unexplained Weight Gain. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/weight-loss/unexplained-weight-loss-4-reasons-this-could-happen-to-you.html

Weight Fluctuations Explained.Retrieved from www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/weight-loss/weight-fluctuations-explained.html

Weight Fluctuations: What’s Normal? (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/weight-loss/weight-fluctuations-whats-normal.html