Body weight changes day to day. Even if you’re losing weight overall or maintaining your weight, there will be days when the number on the scale increases, and days when it decreases.
These fluctuations are normal. They can be frustrating if you’re hoping for the scale to show that you lost weight or maintained weight, but they’re not usually due to changes in body fat. Instead, they usually reflect changes in the amount of water your body is carrying.
Here are some reasons for daily fluctuations in body weight.
- Mild dehydration can decrease body weight. Your body’s response to dehydration can then lead to an increase in body weight as your body then retains water.
- A high-sodium meal or day can lead to water retention and a higher body weight the next morning.
- A high-carb meal or day can lead to a higher body weight the next morning. That’s because your body stores 3-4 grams of water for each gram of carbohydrate it stores in muscle and liver.
- Illness or infection may lead to dehydration and decreased body weight.
- Stress may lead to water retention and increased body weight.
Food and beverages have weight, as well. When you eat or drink, your weight immediately increases due to the food and fluid in your stomach. That doesn’t reflect body fat! It’s a good reason to weigh yourself early in the day before you eat or drink anything.