Whether you’re actively pursuing weight loss or not, experiencing fluctuations in weight is a normal occurrence. Nevertheless, it can be perplexing when the scale indicates a gain of a few pounds from the previous day, prompting the question: Can you genuinely gain weight in a single day?
Before succumbing to panic, it’s crucial to understand that daily weight fluctuations are entirely normal and do not necessarily signify a failure in your weight-loss efforts, reassures Georgie Fear, RD, CSSD, author of Lean Habits for Lifelong Weight Loss.
The reality is that gaining weight overnight is a common phenomenon. In the following explanation, experts delve into the reasons behind the perception of sudden weight gain in a single day.
Can you gain weight in one day?
Let’s break it down with some numbers: To gain a single pound of fat, you would need to consume approximately 3,500 calories more than you burn off. Therefore, to gain five pounds in a day, you’d theoretically have to intake nearly 18,000 calories more than your total expenditure within a 24-hour period. (Practically speaking, that’s not a feasible feat.)
Conversely, acquiring five pounds of water weight in a day is a much more attainable scenario, according to Georgie Fear. Engaging in various activities or behaviors (outlined below) the day or night before can lead to a noticeable increase in weight by a few ounces or pounds, explains Jessica Cording, MS, RD, CDN, a registered dietitian based in New York and the author of The Little Book of Game-Changers. Cording attributes most of this fluctuation to water weight. However, she emphasizes that if you observe a consistent upward trend in your weight over time, it may indicate genuine weight gain.
How much can your weight fluctuate in one night?
For what it’s worth, there’s no magical overnight process in your body that causes you to gain weight, according to Sonya Angelone, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Your metabolism continues working, so weight fluctuations happen all the time,” she emphasizes. Even if you consume more calories than usual on a particular day, your body won’t abruptly cause weight gain overnight. Angelone clarifies, “With a higher-calorie day or two, metabolism increases to compensate, preventing immediate fat storage.” Conversely, if you under eat for a couple of days, your metabolism slows down to compensate before any weight loss occurs.
Angelone notes that there’s no definitive number to pinpoint in this context. The crucial aspect is to pay attention if your weight seemingly increases overnight and persists for several days; in such cases, it’s advisable to check your scale or consult with your doctor. Nonetheless, experts reassure that much of the overnight weight gain phenomenon can be reasonably explained.
11 Reasons It Seems Like You Gained Weight In One Day
You Hit The Gym Hard
“After a heavy workout, especially if you perform big, compound movements that recruit a lot of large muscles, you can easily weigh a few extra pounds for several days,” Fear says.
Those microscopic tears that occur in your muscle cells after every workout heal through a process of natural inflammation. That involves some pooling of fluids around the muscle cells, which can make you puff up, she says. This does not mean you should skip those calorie-torching strength moves. Just let your muscles recover and forget about the scale.
You Tend To Drink A Lot of Alcohol In The Evening
Dehydration caused by alcohol consumption can result in water retention, creating the appearance of weight gain on the scale, as noted by Jessica Cording. Consider reducing your alcohol intake for a few weeks and monitor its effects on both your weight loss journey and morning weight.
You Consumed A Lot Of Salt
Consuming an excess of sodium can result in rapid water weight gain, as noted by Julie Ellner, MD, a weight-loss specialist based in San Diego. This may cause swollen ankles and a bloated belly due to inflammation in the intestines. In addition to water retention, indulging in salty snacks can also contribute to constipation.
You’ve Started A High-Protein, Low-Carb Diet
Maintaining adequate fiber intake is crucial for optimal digestive system function. Dr. Ellner emphasizes that when you lack fiber from sources like whole grains, fruits, and starchy vegetables, it can lead to constipation.
According to Fear, if you go without a bowel movement for several days, this backlog can translate to retaining a couple of pounds of matter.
Dr. Ellner suggests that individuals on a high-protein, low-carb diet consider taking a fiber supplement to promote regular bowel movements. Alternatively, an even better approach is to reduce the consumption of refined carbohydrates, such as pasta, while keeping whole grains, vegetables, and fruits as essential components of your diet.
You’re Dehydrated
Insufficient water intake triggers your kidneys to enter a mode of conserving fluids, according to Fear. This conservation mode results in an initial increase in water weight once you begin rehydrating. However, Fear assures that after a few days of proper hydration, your kidneys will return to their normal function, and your weight will stabilize accordingly.
You Have A Food Intolerance
Food intolerances, such as those to dairy, fructose, eggs, shellfish, gluten, artificial sweeteners, soy, and various others, can lead to bloating and water retention, particularly in the gut, notes Dr. Ellner.
If you observe a feeling of heaviness or notice actual weight gain after consuming specific foods, it’s advisable to consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian before deciding to eliminate them from your diet.
You’re About To Get Your Period
Dr. Ellner attributes pre-period pounds to hormonal fluctuations. While there are various reasons for period-related weight gain, each person’s experience is unique. According to Dr. Ellner, some clients mention being heaviest on the first day of their period. The reassuring news, as noted by Fear, is that water retention associated with the menstrual cycle is temporary.
You Upped Your Carb Intake
Reducing your carbohydrate intake depletes your body’s glycogen stores, which serve as the primary energy source for high-intensity exercise. However, once you reintroduce carbohydrates, such as indulging in spaghetti, your body begins replenishing glycogen in the muscles and liver, accompanied by an increase in water retention. This sudden influx of nutrients after an extended period of carb restriction may lead to bloating, according to Fear.
To address this, the optimal solution is to incorporate a moderate amount of whole-grain carbs into your daily diet. This helps prevent the cycle of weight fluctuations associated with going on and off carb-free periods.
You Started New Medication
Certain medications may lead to water retention, increased appetite, reduced metabolism, and elevated fat storage, as explained by Melody Covington, MD, a weight-loss doctor at Abundant Health and Vitality. Dr. Covington emphasizes that medications restricting exercise or physical activity can further contribute to weight gain.
If you suspect a medication is causing weight gain, Dr. Covington recommends discussing the issue with your doctor. Explore alternatives or consider adjusting the dosage. Concurrently, implementing lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet and incorporating exercise, can support weight loss.
In situations where obesity-related diseases are a concern, your doctor may consider referring you to a bariatrician, a specialist in the treatment and prevention of conditions associated with obesity, if deemed appropriate.