Can You Lose Water Weight?

Water makes up more than 60 percent of the human body, but excess water weight can leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable like a balloon waiting to pop. You can lose excess water weight by altering your diet and increasing your exercise, or through the use of certain natural or over-the-counter remedies. Consult your doctor if water weight and bloating become a chronic problem.

Causes

Two cups of water weigh about a pound, so if you see the numbers on your scale make a sudden leap from one day to the next, it's likely your body is retaining water. Water retention is often caused by eating salty foods, drinking alcohol or the use of certain medications. It is also a frequent symptom of premenstrual syndrome. If you frequently retain water, see your doctor to rule out a possible serious health condition, such as liver damage, kidney failure or heart conditions.

Rapid Weight Loss

If you lose weight very quickly, either as a result of an illness or as part of a diet, chances are it's mostly water weight. When you don't eat enough, the first place your body looks for extra fuel is your muscles. As the body burns muscle, water is released, causing you to lose water weight. Because this not fat loss, the weight will often return very quickly.

Dietary Changes

Avoiding certain foods can help you lose water weight. If you retain water, examine your diet to determine if it includes foods that are high in sodium. While sodium is essential in limited amounts, it attracts water, trapping fluid in your body and causing fluid retention. To lose water weight, eliminate foods high in sodium. Avoid processed foods, meat, milk and seafood if you want to reduce your sodium intake and lose water weight.

Water and Exercise

Drinking more water, not less, will actually help you lose water weight. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and choose foods with a high water content, like watermelon, cucumbers and onions. A regular exercise program can also help you drop pounds associated with water retention.

Supplements and Drugs

While it's not clinically proven, some vitamins may help you lose water weight. The Mayo Clinic advises taking 1,200 mg of calcium a day to lose water weight. You can also supplement with up to 400 mg of magnesium, though this is not advised if you have kidney problems. Many over-the-counter drugs have a diuretic effect and can aid in water weight loss. While these are generally fast-acting and effective, you should talk to your doctor before taking diuretics.