Login or Register

How to Tell If You Have Extra Water Weight

Jul 17, 2011 | By Suzanne S. Wiley

Your weight can vary from day to day by a couple of pounds, and over the course of a day just because you're adding the physical weight of the food you ate. That doesn't make seeing a huge jump in the numbers on the scale any easier, especially if you don't recall eating that much. It's possible that new weight is water weight, and many conditions can add water weight to your frame.

Step 1

Count the days to your next expected period, if you're female. While you probably already know about premenstrual water retention, it's possible that it is particularly prominent this month.

Step 2

Check your water and salt intake. Eating too much salt, becoming dehydrated or both can cause you to retain water. Rehydrate yourself and cut back on salt to help release the water.

Step 3

Check the weather and your work habits. Hot weather can result in heat edema, and sitting for a long time can result in dependent edema. Both of these are temporary, and you'll probably see your ankles swelling a bit. Note though, that ankle swelling can also be caused by health issues like kidney problems, so take those ankles to your doctor before assuming anything.

Step 4

Monitor your health as a whole for other odd symptoms such as blurred vision, mucus-filled coughs, pink mucus, nausea, thinning hair or other unusual symptoms. These are symptoms of different kidney, liver and thyroid diseases that can also lead to water retention. If you are having any of these or other symptoms, see your doctor immediately.

Step 5

Note what time you weighed yourself --- and whether it was after you had consumed a lot of water. It's possible the weight is literal water weight, from the added weight of the water you drank.

Things You'll Need

  • Calendar

References

Article reviewed by John Hagemann Last updated on: Jul 17, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments