Water Weight Gain

Is there anything similar to Water Weight Gain. I heard about this from a friend, can you tell me something more about this?
(November 2, 2010)

What is water weight gain?

Water weight gain can be described as the amount of weight a person puts on mainly due to the retention of water in the body. Water retention could occur due to several factors, in women. The entire body tends to bloat up, swell and feel much heavier, when women suffer from water retention. What makes this condition very frustrating is that it can cause a person to gain weight and can also mask the results of a weight loss program. Hence, water weight gain is a very common problem, faced by many dieters at some point or the other.


Average sized people can experience a water weight gain of up to five pounds, which gets camouflaged with the natural fluids, surrounding the cells. People who heavier may experience higher amounts of water weight gain. It is also a well known fact that when the consumption of processed foods, convenience foods and sodium is very high, the water weight gain is bound to be higher and could even go as high as 8 to 10 pounds.

Water weight gain while dieting

Unfortunately, when people lose weight rapidly too, they could regain some of it mainly because of water weight gain. When the intake of energy is restricted for weight loss purposes, the stores of carbs are used up by the body and the protein in the muscles are broken down. Both protein and carbs hold water within the cells and when these micronutrients are lost, there is also a net loss of water. Hence, most cases of rapid weight loss include a 75% loss of water weight. However, after a while the energy system gets stabilized in the body and the water is regained when the stores of protein and carbs are replenished by the cells. When the water is drawn back into the cells, it leads to a regain of water weight.

Water weight gain during period

There are several women who expect to gain a few pounds before and during their periods, but do not worry too much about it, because it is a temporary occurrence and their body loses the extra weight soon after their period is over. Water weight gain during period is a very common problem that several menstruating women complain of. However, compared to most of the other symptoms that accompany periods like cramps, abdominal pain, uneasiness and so on, water weight gain may seem insignificant. During periods, the body retains water, due to hormonal changes, which can lead to bloating and weight gain. This problem can easily be treated by making changes to the diet.

Water weight gain pregnancy

Weight gain caused by water retention is very common during pregnancy as almost all women go through some amount of water weight gain when they are pregnant. This is because during pregnancy, the body produces more fluids and blood, to accommodate the baby. A change in hormonal levels, as well as a diet that is very high in sodium could also exacerbate pregnancy water retention. Although pregnancy water weight gain is common, it should be controlled as much as possible, by following a healthy, low-sodium diet and engaging in mild exercises.

How to get rid of water weight gain?

One of the most effective ways of getting rid of water weight gain is by addressing its underlying cause. Health experts and medical caregivers usually recommend drinking a lot of water, cutting down on salt, exercising and eating a well balanced diet that is high in fiber and potassium to reduce the water weight. However, if the cause of the water weight gain is an illness such as kidney diseases, liver diseases, cancer or heart diseases, it is imperative to consult a doctor without any delay.