msamy034's Journal, 22 Jun 10

Reading other posts during lunch I came across a link to this, which made me feel a bit better about my 2 pounds :)

I just started exercising to lose weight, but I've gained weight. Why did this happen?


It's true that many people either gain a little weight or don't see any change on the scale for as long as 4-6 weeks after making a significant change in their level of exercise. This is often explained as "gaining muscle while losing fat" but that isn't quite accurate. This extra weight is usually water.

When you start doing more exercise, your body begins storing more fuel in your muscle cells, where it can be used easily and quickly to fuel your workouts. The process of converting glucose (carbohydrates) into fuel that your muscles actually store and use (glycogen) requires three molecules of water for every molecule of glucose. As your muscles are building up glycogen stores, your body has to retain extra water for this purpose. That's what causes most of the initial weight gain or lack of weight loss. This is a good thing—not something to worry about.

However, despite what the scale says, you are actually losing fat during this time. The extra water retention will stop once your body has adjusted to its new activity level. At that point, the scale should start moving down. You'll end up with less fat, and muscles that can handle a larger amount of work.

Written by Dean Anderson, Certified Personal Trainer

View Diet Calendar, 22 June 2010:
1941 kcal Fat: 161.31g | Prot: 103.54g | Carbs: 20.72g.   Breakfast: cheddar, coffee, coconut oil, eggs, bacon, Heavy Cream. Lunch: Zucchini and Mushroom Pasta, best foods, dill relish, albacore tuna. Dinner: lettuce, My Usual Dinner Salad, chicken breast. Snacks/Other: Raspberry Cheesecake Squares. more...
2755 kcal Exercise: sit-ups - 10 minutes, Stretching (yoga) - 30 minutes, Resting - 3 hours, Desk Work - 8 hours, Driving - 1 hour and 20 minutes, Walking (slow) - 3/kph - 1 hour, Sleeping - 7 hours, Sitting - 3 hours. more...

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Comments 
Amy, I didn't realize that you recently began an exercise program. This really does make sense. You will retain water during this time but know that it will go away. 
22 Jun 10 by member: kmartin
I know-I didn't think a little exercise would make that much of a differenece, but I am relieved :) 
22 Jun 10 by member: msamy034
Well anytime you start using muscles that haven't been worked in quite some time you cause tears in them. They will then retain water to help heal. This is why you can gain.  
22 Jun 10 by member: kmartin
Listen to Kmartin, its so very true!! I have to let my mirror and my clothes be my guide when I start an exercise program. The scale does not always tell the true story.  
22 Jun 10 by member: JJisFit4AA

     
 

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