Water retention is a condition that, as annoying as it is common, tends to make us feel particularly bloated and may make us look "fatter" in the mirror.
But does accumulating excess liquid also increase weight?
How can we distinguish between weight gain due to water retention and actual body fat increase?
Let’s clear up how much we can really trust the scale to tell the truth about actual weight gain in both the short and long term!
Does water retention show up on the scale?
Yes, water retention can temporarily influence body weight, but that doesn't necessarily mean there's been an increase in body fat.
The fluids retained by the body can make the weight fluctuate by several kilos in a matter of hours or days.
If your weight changes rapidly, without significant changes in diet or physical activity, it's likely water retention rather than fat accumulation.
How many kilos can you gain due to water retention?
The amount of liquid retained by the body varies from person to person and depends on several factors, such as diet, sodium levels, stress, and hormones.
In some cases, water retention can lead to a weight increase of 2-4 kg in a few days, but this doesn’t turn into a permanent condition: with the right adjustments, the body can eliminate excess liquids fairly quickly.
Does water retention make you gain weight? How can I tell if it's water or fat?
The answer is NO, because water retention affects the numbers on the scale, but - even so - it doesn't make you gain weight because the weight gain is not equivalent to an increase in body fat.
Fat accumulates over time due to a consistent caloric surplus, whereas water retention is a temporary phenomenon related to the body’s water balance.
But if we can’t even trust the scale anymore, how can we tell if it's time to seriously start dieting or if a good diuretic is enough to get back in shape?
Here are some signs to understand if the excess weight is due to water retention or fat.
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If the weight fluctuation is very rapid (for example, a weight increase of 1-3 kg from one day to the next), it’s definitely water, because fat doesn’t accumulate that quickly!
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If it’s water retention, swelling is often localized, manifesting as puffiness in the legs, ankles, hands, and abdomen.
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When the skin feels very tight, and pressing a finger on the skin leaves an imprint for a few seconds, it could be a sign of edema.
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The body’s appearance is uneven: fat is distributed more uniformly, while water retention creates swollen and poorly defined areas.
We’ve already talked here about the causes of water retention, but have you ever recognized all the symptoms we mentioned just before or during your cycle?
Water retention and weight gain related to the menstrual cycle
Women frequently experience water retention during their menstrual cycle due to hormonal fluctuations.
An increase in progesterone during the premenstrual phase encourages sodium and water retention, leading to a temporary weight increase of 1-3 kg per day.
Although this phenomenon is bothersome, it is completely normal and resolves spontaneously at the end of the period.
Can liquid accumulation vary from day to day?
Yes, the amount of liquid retained by the body can change very quickly.
The main factors influencing this include:
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Intake of sodium through a diet high in salt, which is known to promote water retention.
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Dehydration, caused by drinking too little water, which can paradoxically make the body retain more liquids.
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A sedentary day, which causes more liquid stagnation compared to even minimal but constant physical activity.
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Generation of stress and cortisol, which can affect the regulation of body fluids.
In other words, if your weight fluctuates by 1-2 kg from one day to the next, there’s no need to panic, as it’s likely due to water retention and not a change in body composition. However, you should still pay attention to the triggers, so they remain occasional behaviors and not a regular occurrence.
How to get rid of 3 kg of excess liquid?
If the bloating is bothering you and you want to get rid of it as soon as possible, you can certainly resort to some targeted supplements, massages, or cosmetic treatments, but start by following these tips:
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Reduce salt intake and cut down on foods high in sodium, such as packaged foods, cured meats, and salty snacks.
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Drink more water.
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Increase your intake of potassium (bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes, and avocados contain a good amount of potassium).
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Engage in physical activity.
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Avoid refined sugars.
Only in addition to a healthy lifestyle, results from a complete body & beauty routine can bear fruit.
How to deflate and say goodbye to water retention?
In addition to the strategies already mentioned, to prevent and reduce water retention in the long term, you can certainly use the right products!
Cosmetics for water retention include:
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The use of bath salts, especially with Dead Sea salt, for a relaxing, draining, and toning experience.
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Bandages with Draining Gel Bandages to combat issues related to capillary fragility, promoting microcirculation, ideal for swollen and tired legs, or Ultra Slim Saline Draining Gel Bandages to fight skin imperfections due to water retention, poor circulation, and fat deposits. They help reshape and deflate areas with excess liquid, promoting fluid absorption and improving skin tone.
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Body creams like The Unique Form’s Draining Body Cream or a draining gel cream to encourage the elimination of excess fluids, with a draining and firming effect that relieves localized swelling and pain in the limbs with every application, even more so if it has a "cooling effect."
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Mud in pure draining formula or extra draining Gel without rinse, using natural active ingredients to progressively reshape the body’s line, compacting the skin.
To stop seeing the effect of water retention on the scale, taking draining supplements can certainly make a difference, like Drena Slim Day and Aloe Day Plus!
The scale is calling? Don’t worry! The Unique Form is here ;)