is it normal to gain weight this fast?

Question

i've gained 4 pounds in the past 5 days - nothing has changed, im eating the same, going to the gym and doing the same exercises. my weight never fluctuates by more than half a pound or a pound usually. is this normal? i'm very frustrated, i swear i can feel the difference in my clothes.

by the way, i go to the gym 5 days a week and do 50 minutes of cardio - usually running.

just to clarify, im not on a diet and im not trying to lose weight. my body fat percentage is 17%, so i have no reason to lose weight - and this is not muscle gain (trust me!). I did mess up my bc pills this month pretty badly, so i wonder maybe it is a hormonal thing?

Answer 1

Like everyone else has said, it's very likely to be fluid retention- it could be related to too much salt in your diet, too little fluids in your diet, thyroid problems or if you're female, pre-mentstrual fluid retention.

Even if you've never had the latter before, hormonal changes that come on with age and other lifestyle factors can easily affect it.

Try to cut down on the salt, increase your fluid weight and give it about another couple of weeks- if you see no improvement, see your doctor.

Answer 2

Is it close to your period? Most women retain water around that time of the month. If so, you can get over the counter medications at your pharmacy. Talk to a pharmacist about them.

If not, then you should see a doctor. Sudden weight gains could be indicitive of some other medical problems - ex. thyroid, kidney, etc.

COMMON CAUSES

Overeating and lack of exercise

Poor eating habits (high-carbohydrate, high-calorie diet)

Emotional factors such as guilt, depression, and anxiety

Slower metabolism, which is normal with aging

Smoking cessation

Alcohol consumption

Primary hypothyroidism

Endocrine disorders including Cushing's syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome

Drugs such as corticosteroids, cyproheptadine, lithium, tranquilizers, phenothiazines, and tricyclic antidepressants

Medications that increase fluid retention and cause edema (abnormal pooling of fluids in the tissues)

CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF

There is a change in vision with the weight gain.

Sensitivity to cold, constipation, and hair loss come with weight gain.

Swollen feet and shortness of breath come with the weight gain.

There are times during the day when hunger is uncontrollable and accompanied by palpitations, tremor, and sweating.

The weight gain is excessive and the reason for the weight gain is unknown

Answer 3

Listen: you need to do 200 minutes of cardio a week. Remember fat does not turn into muscle, so you need to lose your fat while putting on muscle. The 45 minute thing is not true, but don't over 60 minutes at a time.

Do 5-10 minutes of cardio to warm up, then do your weight training. Do 30 to 60 minutes more of cardio, then go home.

The best time to eat is just after your workout within an hour when your metabolism is raging. For your muscles, incorporate some isolated soy protein or whey protein. Whey is more potent but the soy tastes better!

Don't look at your scale as the be all and end all, but get a measuring tape to check your progress, and that will show more tangible results.

Good luck and stick at it.

Answer 4

Went through the same thing and gained 16 pounds in 40 days. It turned out to be a hypo thyroid condition. See a doctor to nip this in the bud. Don't wait till you gain 20 pounds because it will be so frustrating and depressing.

Answer 5

All good answers. But remember, muscle weighs more then fat. Don't confuse getting fat with gaining muscle mass. Work out your BMI (Body Mass Index) It'll measure your body fat as apposed to how much you weigh, which is a very unsatisfactory way of calculating how much body fat you have on you.

Answer 6

Sometimes a fast weight gain can be contributed to hormone changes. This is especially likely during yoru pre-menstral period. If you continue to gain weight even after your period is over then you should consult a physician.

Answer 7

Sounds like you are retaining water. Cut back on the salt a bit. Or, possibly, it's your thyroid...in which case, you should see a doctor.

Answer 8

Have the doctor check your thyroid,or go to the gyn

Answer 9

Who knows?
Maybe something wrong with your scale
Have a check