Today’s market is a blur of products claiming they can help you shed pounds fast. But did you know that most of these products are only helping you cut water and not actual fat? It’s a nasty trick of the industry that can cost you time, money, and confidence. Read on to discover what is water weight, how to lose water weight, how it works, and what you can do about it.

What is Water Weight?

The human Body is about 60 percent water. The exact amount of water retained in the body is dependent on diet, exercise, genetics, and a host of other factors. Water weight is any extra water the body is holding that is not actively being used in bodily processes. Water excess in the body can cause bloating and puffiness, especially in the legs, arms, and abdomen. Water can cause your weight to fluctuate by up to 2-4 pounds per day!

How Water Weight Works

Your body will store three grams of water for every gram of carbohydrates you eat. This is especially true when you eat salty and Sugary Foods. Salty and sugary foods increase sodium in your body and sodium increases water retention. Cortisol (the “stress hormone”), sitting/lying for long periods of time (like when traveling), medications, and poor circulation can also contribute to how much water your body retains. For women specifically, water levels can change based on menstruation, pregnancy, and hormonal birth control.

How to Lose Water Weight

One of the easiest and healthiest ways to shed water is to diet. Reduce salt, sugar, and carbohydrate intake if you’re looking to drop extra pounds. You should also consider exercise. A good workout releases extra water through sweat and increases blood flow, which helps with circulation and counters fluid buildup within the body (especially in the legs and feet).

While it might seem counterintuitive, drinking a healthy amount of water (about 2 liters per day) will regulate water levels. When the body is dehydrated, it holds on to any extra water to make up for the lack of intake. Staying properly hydrated keeps your water moving!

Why Fat is Way Harder to Flush

The body is an engine. It has a very specific way of burning its fuel sources. Dietary sugars and carbohydrates are burned as energy first. Muscle follows these. Fat is last on the list. The jury is still out on why this is, but it may have to do with the food sources available to our ancient ancestors!

You can, however, aid this process by drinking the necessary amount of water. 

Keep Water Gain in Check

No matter how hard you try, your water levels will fluctuate a little, but there are things you can do to keep it in a healthy range. Obviously, water is not the only reason for weight gain. Cutting back on salt, sugar, and carbohydrates, stay hydrated, and exercise.

It’s also important to take a “slow and steady” approach to your weight loss. Wanting to look and feel good are great goals but pushing yourself can cause serious harm. Watch out for fad diets and over-the-counter supplements that promise fast results. These diets and products will help you lose water, but the results are often temporary and superficial.

For more information, you can give us a call at (844) 437-8446 or visit one of our local Weight Loss Centers!

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