Unexpected Weight Alterations - Reasons for Abrupt Weight Increase

Weight changes are frequently induced by eating habits. Many individuals have noticed an increase in the number of kilograms after consuming highly processed products or fast food. However, the primary cause of this is typically the high salt content, which leads to an increase in sodium levels in the body, resulting in an increase in thirst and a decrease in energy expenditure. As a result, the amount of water in the organism increases, leading to an increase in the number of kilograms. According to research, a high salt intake is not associated with long-term weight gain. Another factor that affects weight changes is the amount of carbohydrates consumed. Many athletes consciously use the carbohydrate loading method by consuming large amounts of carbohydrates to store more glycogen in the muscles, which will later serve as an energy source. In addition, the amount of water consumed daily can also have an impact on weight changes. Drinking large amounts of fluids in a short period of time can lead to a sudden increase in the number of kilograms, which will be reduced after urination. The last factor that affects weight changes is dinner. Eating large amounts of healthy food can lead to an increase in the number of kilograms the next morning compared to consuming a single dish or a yogurt.

Intense physical activity can also have a significant impact on sudden changes in body weight. During training, there is a significant loss of fluids through sweating, which, if not replaced during training, can lead to a short-term weight loss. However, it is important to note that the amount of sweat produced is not directly related to long-term weight loss and is not always an indicator of the effectiveness of a training session. On the other hand, training in strength sports and intense workouts can lead to minor muscle fiber damage and short-term inflammation, which can cause the body to retain water and increase body weight (Fortunato et al., 2018). Additionally, increased creatine supplementation can also lead to increased water retention in the muscles, resulting in an increase in body weight.

The importance of hormonal economy cannot be overlooked when considering body weight fluctuations. A hormone that has a significant impact on weight is cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone. Its primary function is to increase glucose levels to mobilize the body. Another role is to regulate blood sodium levels. Optimal levels of cortisol allow the body to maintain balance and full health, but its excess, caused by long-term stress, can lead to many unwanted consequences. One of the problems is the excessive accumulation of sodium, which retains water in the body, leading to a temporary increase in body weight (D. Choudhary, S. Bhattacharyya, K. Joshi 2017). It is important to remember that cortisol levels rise when we do not provide ourselves with adequate rest and sleep. Another aspect of hormonal economy is the menstrual cycle. Depending on the phase of the cycle, body weight can vary, which is caused by the retention of water in the body or an increased appetite. For example, during the follicular phase (about 1. –14. day of the cycle) a reduced desire for food, a lot of energy, a feeling of lightness and improved mood, as well as a lower body weight, can be observed. On the other hand, during the luteal phase (starting 14 days before menstruation) the observations are quite the opposite. Many women feel bloated, heavy, and the appetite increases, as does the number of kilograms on the scale. The greatest weight gain is usually observed on the first day of the cycle, that is, on the day of the onset of menstruation. Some women can gain up to 3 kg, but after a few days the body weight returns to normal (M. M. Rogan, K. E. Black 2023).

Abrupt weight fluctuations are often caused by the occurrence of various diseases. In Type 1 Diabetes, conditions such as Cushing's Syndrome, hypothyroidism, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome may be associated with a sudden increase in the number of kilograms, while inflammatory bowel diseases or diabetes often cause a decrease. This is particularly common in cases of inadequate treatment or a complete lack of therapy. In cases of Type 1 Diabetes, weight changes result from the body's inability to absorb glucose from food and thus resorting to reserves stored in the form of fat tissue. Besides diseases, the medications used are also significant. Some of them can lead to increased appetite, water retention, or metabolic changes. These substances include insulin (used in diabetes), thiazolidinediones (used in diabetes and insulin resistance), beta-blockers (used in cardiovascular diseases), antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (used in depression treatment), or lithium.

Due to the many factors that influence weight fluctuations, it's extremely important to weigh properly. It's important to emphasize that the most common mistakes made in weight measurements are irregularities. If one day the fast weight is 55 kg in the morning and 57 kg already in the evening, this is quite normal and does not indicate obesity. It is caused by eating and drinking during the day and lack of bowel contents. However, it is important to stress that the body sometimes needs up to 60 hours to lose weight, so when you eat more often, your body muscles are less productive. To really effectively monitor body weight, it's good to do this regularly, preferably no more often than once a week, always at the same time of day. The most accurate measurements are obtained when we stand on the scales on an empty stomach, without clothes and after a bowel movement (C. Rose et al. 2015). It is worth mentioning that each device has a different accuracy, so in order to observe possible changes, it is necessary to use the same device. Each time, care must be taken to ensure that it is on a flat, hard and flat surface. It must be remembered that body weight is not a good indicator, especially in the case of athletes. It often happens that training persons who want to reduce body weight do not see changes on the scales, but when they make measurements such as waist circumference, they notice positive changes in circumference. This is because there is a burning of fat tissue and simultaneous building of muscle mass, which is much heavier. The measurement of the waist, arms and other areas can show much better how the body is changing. An alternative to the standard scale are also body composition analyzers, which provide a lot of information about the content of fat tissue, muscle tissue, bone tissue or water in the body. Such devices are often available in gyms, but such measurements are not always reliable. The most accurate results are obtained when weighing on an empty stomach in the morning, but unfortunately many people use analyzers after training at the end of the day, so it is difficult to obtain reliable data.

Weight fluctuations are a natural and common occurrence that typically do not indicate any abnormalities. Balanced nutrition, adequate hydration levels throughout the day, limited alcohol consumption, sufficient sleep, or the ability to manage stress are factors that will certainly help reduce these fluctuations. However, it is important to emphasize that it is impossible to completely eradicate them and there is no need to unduly worry about them. To make fluctuations less noticeable, it is sufficient to weigh oneself at regular intervals, at the same time of day, preferably no more than once a week. However, if you notice a significant increase or decrease in weight, it may be advisable to consult a doctor and check if it does not indicate the presence of any disease.