This includes people with gout, diabetes (both types 1 and 2), and eating disorders, older adults, people who are pregnant, and children. But before you do a little happy dance or treat yo’ self to the chocolate hiding in your freezer behind the broccoli, it’s worth knowing if you legit lost weight or you’re just dehydrated. The number you see on your scale when you weigh yourself is a measure of every single thing in your body. That’s because most of the weight in your body comes from water ‘ it’s the heaviest component of your body besides your bones, according to Texas A&M University.
Many people believe that when they experience rapid weight loss, it is only due to shedding water weight. While it is true that some initial weight loss may be attributed to water weight, this does not mean that all fast weight loss is solely from water. There are various factors that contribute to quick weight loss, including changes in diet, exercise routines, and metabolism.
This disorder occurs when tumors on the adrenal and pituitary glands release too much cortisol into your blood. Some people with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) may have swelling around their eyes. Water does not have electrolytes, so reach for a sports drink to replenish them. You might also consider electrolyte supplements if you are significantly increasing or decreasing your water intake. You can find these in the notes throughout the text, and click the links to read the peer-reviewed scientific papers. When appropriate we include a grading of the strength of the evidence, with a link to our policy on this.
If you notice a significant loss that seems outside of the norm, it’s possible that part of that is due to dehydration. In fact, as you lose weight or cut calories, your body will fight to preserve fat to use for energy in the future, according to Northwestern Medicine. As a result, fat loss usually only occurs over longer periods of calorie restriction. When you first start losing weight, most of those initial pounds lost are in the form of water.
Dehydration impairs the body’s ability to break down fat for fuel. So, perhaps drinking more water will encourage fat breakdown and, eventually, weight loss. Another study found that weight loss averaged 0.9 kg/day during the first week of a water-only fast [12].
The truth about fast weight loss
Fast weight loss can be a combination of water weight, fat loss, and muscle loss. When individuals drastically reduce their calorie intake or engage in intense exercise, they may see a significant drop on the scale. This initial drop is often due to a decrease in glycogen stores and water retention in the body. However, over time, as the body adjusts to these changes, fat loss can occur as well.
You’ll likely start with a thorough discussion of your symptoms, medications, general mental and physical health, and medical conditions. The change in your metabolism is a key reason why people regain weight after trying rapid weight loss plans. When you go back to eating a regular diet, your metabolism isn’t used to that many calories ‘ and the pounds come back. Still, excess fluid build-up and swelling are sometimes signs of a severe health condition, such as heart, liver, or kidney disease.
By Tim Petrie, DPT, OCSPetrie is a board-certified orthopedic specialist who has practiced as a physical therapist for more than a decade. The results between 1-4 sten scores are regarded as a low stress level, between 7-10 sten scores as a high stress level, and between sten scores as an average stress level. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage parts of cells. Barbie Cervoni MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist.
Factors to consider
- Diet: A sudden change in diet, such as cutting out carbohydrates or reducing sodium intake, can lead to a decrease in water weight.
- Exercise: Intense workouts can cause the body to sweat more, resulting in temporary water loss.
- Metabolism: Some individuals have a faster metabolism, which can contribute to quicker weight loss results.
FAQs about fast weight loss
- Is losing water weight bad? Losing water weight initially is not necessarily a negative thing, as it can help jumpstart weight loss efforts. However, it is important to focus on long-term fat loss for sustainable results.
- How can I ensure I am losing fat, not just water weight? To ensure you are losing fat and not just water weight, focus on creating a balanced diet, incorporating strength training into your workout routine, and monitoring your progress over time.
