Is it possible to put on 3 lbs in a day

Even if you haven't been percent diligent—say, you spent a weekend at summer BBQs cheating up a storm—"it is not possible to gain 5 'actual' pounds in one day or one weekend," Dana Hunnes, Ph.

The reason you may feel like you magically gained weight overnight can vary. Here are the most likely causes:. Your body may retain excess water for a few reasons, but the most likely is related to your sodium intake. Some people are more sensitive to this: For example, if you typically eat very fresh, whole, clean foods and work out regularly, and then forgo a workout and eat a super salty meal, chances are your weight fluctuation will seem more drastic than someone who typically eats more salt.

It sounds counterintuitive, but drinking more will help your body get rid of fluids more efficiently and flush excess sodium.

For most fluid-related weight gain, "assuming you go back to your normal eating and drinking habits, the weight gain should really only last 24 to 48 hours," Hunnes says. Here's what the science….

Many experts recommend weighing daily when dieting, but that may be too often for some people. If weighing daily is discouraging or leads to unhealthy…. The average person gains one to two pounds 0. Here are 20 little things that are making you gain fat.

Reducing carbohydrates in the diet is a great way to lose weight and improve health. This page explains how many carbs you should aim for each day.

This article…. Researchers say the type 2 diabetes drug semaglutide can help people lose weight by decreasing appetite and energy intake. Others say it can be used as a starting point for health assessments.

Body mass index BMI is a tool to track obesity and health. But it may not be an accurate indicator for many people. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Is Weight Fluctuation Normal? Medically reviewed by Daniel Bubnis, M.

Sodium and carbs cause water retention. All food and drinks have some weight. The resulting urine and stool also have weight. Other factors. When to weigh yourself. How to weigh yourself. The bottom line. By Jessica Smith and Elizabeth Bacharach. Comments 2. Sort by: Newest. Newest Oldest. Load More Comments. Close this dialog window Add a comment. Add your comment Cancel Submit. Close this dialog window Review for.

Back to story Comment on this project. Tell us what you think Thanks for adding your feedback. All rights reserved. Close Sign in. Some medications can either cause your body to retain water, activate or increase your appetite, or even reduce your metabolism and increase fat storage, says Dr. Covington, who adds that weight gain is even more likely on medication that limits your ability to exercise or stay active. If a medication is causing weight gain, Dr. Covington recommends talking to your doctor and asking about alternatives or the possibility of reducing your dose.

You can also work on making lifestyle changes that will promote weight loss , a healthy diet, or time for exercise. If your doctor thinks it's appropriate, in some cases they may recommend you to a bariatrician who specializes in the treatment and prevention of obesity-related diseases. Carbs, specifically, if not burned, are then stored as fat, she adds.

To combat this type of weight gain, Dr. Covington recommends eating on a regular schedule. If you drop too much weight or fat too fast or in a way that your body registers that something is wrong, it will try to store the fat that's available more aggressively. The brain does not understand 'dieting' but it understands fat loss very well and often if we diet incorrectly the brain interprets this as something unhealthy happening," says Dr.

Storing fat is the body's attempt to keep us safe, she adds. To avoid this, she recommends enlisting an expert that will help you create a healthy diet or assist you with your weight-loss goals, whether it's a fitness trainer, dietitian, weight loss doctor, or accountability partner.

One easy place to start in terms of accountability is using a food-tracking app , adds Dr. The drawbacks are doing it correctly—choosing the correct foods, logging proper serving sizes, and being honest about the food intake even when it's not ideal.

There have been many surprises. Covington says that overweight women can become more fertile with weight loss, so if you've recently shed a few pounds you're more likely to become pregnant if you aren't using a contraceptive.

Take a pregnancy test just to be sure! Weight Loss.