What is water weight?

Why the scale swings

Swings of a kilo or so over a day are common and usually nothing to worry about.

Holding extra water is the most common reason for short-term changes, and it can leave you feeling bloated or puffy. These can all make you retain water:

• salty food
• a big carb-heavy meal
• your period
• pregnancy and menopause

It works the other way too: some of the quick drop you see when you start a very strict diet is water and muscle, not fat.

Keeping water weight down

Go easy on salty foods like pickles, papad, namkeen and packaged snacks, and drink enough water through the day.

• Stay active, since movement helps fluid circulate.
• Weigh yourself at the same time each morning.
• Look at the trend over a few weeks rather than reacting to one day.

If you notice swelling in your feet or legs, or a big sudden weight change you can't explain, see your doctor to rule out an underlying health problem.