Water weights, also called edema, are very common and rarely a cause for concern. However, it may feel uncomfortable and can cause unwanted bloating or puffiness in the body. Water normally makes up 50 to 60 percent of an adult’s total body weight. Any extra water being held in the body is referred to as water weight. Bloating and puffiness can occur when water builds up in the body, especially in the abdomen, legs, and arms.
What Causes Water Weight on the HCG Diet?
Water retention happens when there is too much salt intake. Eating lots of salty foods results in weight gain as your body holds on to water. Due to hormonal changes, women also can retain water weight. Reducing the amount of salt in your diet releases the water weight. Other causes include:
- Poor circulation in the leg veins. One of the known causes of water retention during pregnancy. It is also known to people who have varicose veins.
- Water retention due to PMS. The hormonal changes in your body during your period can hold water. Consuming unhealthy food and drinks can worsen retention. Water retention due to PMS on the HCG diet will be gone after your period. Continue your diet to prevent additional weight gain.
- Failure to restrict calorie intake. Increasing your calories during the VLCD can hold water weights. Avoid eating carbs and foods that have loads of sugar. Water retention can cause weight loss stalls as the body begin to hold water. Eat lots of fiber-rich foods to deal with retention.
- Medications. There are cases where you retain water because of the medicines you are taking. Avoid taking NSAIDs drugs as much as possible. Taking tablets for diabetes and hypertension also holds water weights. Drink lots of water to flush out water weights.
How Much Can Water Retention Add to Your Weight?
Water levels can make a person’s weight fluctuate by as much as 2 to 4 pounds in a single day. Symptoms of heart or kidney disease can also cause severe water retention. More often, it is temporary and goes away on its own or with some simple lifestyle changes. There are several ways to stave off water weights.
Losing Water Weights through the HCG Diet
- Eat less salt and avoid refined carbs during the VLCD. Monitor your weight every day.
- Avoid eating sugary foods during your period to prevent weight loss delay.
- Cook your meals at home to control the ingredients you add to your foods. It lowers your risk from items that interfere with your progress. Avoid adding too much salt to your foods to ensure a faster weight loss.
- Avoid eating fatty foods as it results in a weight-loss stall. The increasing deposition of fats in your body can hold more water weights.
- Count your calorie intake to avoid weight gain. Count your calories and ensure you are not adding salty foods to your diet. Avoid eating dried fruits, canned vegetables, and other sources of sodium that lead to water retention.