Losing weight via exercise and eating nutritional meals can be a difficult process. A sudden drop in weight when first beginning a new exercise nutritional plan is often the result of losing water weight first. Many factors contribute to this occurrence, including how the human body reacts to dietary changes. When one begins to lose pounds associated with water weight, he is likely to see changes in his body that contribute to an end-goal for fitness. Speak to a physician or a licensed nutritionist for more information on how to lose water weight.
Possible Causes of Excessive Water Weight
People gain water weight for different reasons, including side effects associated with medications, high salt intake and dehydration. According to MayoClinic.com, if a person don't drink enough water, her kidneys and liver will work to conserve water in her body as a means to stay hydrated -- leading to water weight gain.
Carbohydrates and Their Link to Water Weight
Carbohydrates are directly linked to water weight and how the body fuels itself to complete activities throughout the day. According to Osterberg et al, carbohydrates react similar to complex sugars in one's body and can contribute to further water retention within the body. In a study by Osterberg conducted on carbohydrate relationship to fluid retention, researchers discovered that subjects given a carbohydrate-rich beverage during exercise were more likely to retain water than the control group. Cutting carbs from a person's diet will force his body to find another source of energy to fuel his body during physical activity. As a result, individuals will lose water weight quickly and will be the first source of overall weight loss.
Sodium Intake Factors Related to Water Retention
Another factor that can contribute to losing water weight quickly is to limit one's sodium intake. Even if the individual is not attempting to lose water weight specifically, lowering the amount of sodium in one's meals will cause the body to shed excess water quickly. According to the Mayo Clinic, many nutritional or diet programs limit the amount of sodium-rich processed food in your diet. As such, your kidneys will not be prompted to retain water due to high sodium levels as you continue to consume meals low in sodium.
Other Factors to Consider
Losing water weight due to dietary changes and the inclusion of exercise can explain a sudden drop in overall body weight. However, cutting carbohydrates or other nutrients from one's diet completely may not be totally healthy, either. According to the European Food Information Council, for example, carbohydrates are vital to proper bowel function and as a source of energy for other bodily processes like digestion and energy storage.
Sources
- Journal of Applied Physiology; Carbohydrate Exerts a Mild Influence on Fluid Retention Following Exercise-Induced Dehydration; Osterberg KL, Pallardy SE, Johnson RJ, Horswill CA; accessed April 2011.MayoClinic.com; Carbohydrates--How Carbs Fit Into a Healthy Diet; Feb. 8, 2011; accessed April 2011.
- MayoClinic.com; Water: How much should you drink every day?; April 17, 2010; accessed April 2011.
- European Food Information Council; Carbohydrates; accessed April 2011.
- Mayo Clinic; How To Tame Your Salt Habit Now; accessed April 2011.
Adam Fonseca - Adam Fonseca is a certified Lean Six Sigma Change Agent and an accomplished golf writer. He currently works in health care ...
Join the Conversation