How much does weight fluctuate?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that consistent self-weighing is an effective weight management strategy.
The average adult’s body weight fluctuates between 1–2 kilograms (kg) or 2.2–4.4 pounds (lb) over a few days. Numerous factors influence a person’s body weight. Individuals have no control over some factors, such as their genetics, age, and gender. Water intake can contribute to short-term weight fluctuations. On average, water makes up 60% of an adult’s body weight. Excess water can build up in the body, leading to bloating and weight changes.
Factors that can lead to water retention include: Dehydration,Sodium intake,Glycogen storage
Other factors that can lead to weight fluctuation include:
- genetics
- hormonal changes, such as menstruation
- alcohol consumption
- medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism or diabetes
- medications