Water Weight: The Bane of a Dieter’s Existence

If you’re tracking weight loss via that number on the scale, it can often get frustrating when those pounds just don’t seem to be shedding. If you’ve been at this for some time, then you are probably all too familiar with the term water weight. But what exactly causes water weight? How much of it is healthy, and what can be done to keep it under control?

So, What Is It?

To begin, and as you probably already know, the human body consists of approximately 50 to 60 percent water. Naturally, this percentage depends on whether you are male or female. A typical healthy water percentage for men should be between 50 and 65 percent, while a healthy percentage for women typically ranges from 45 to 60 percent. Ultimately, water in your body is spread out, with different tissues containing varying amounts. Fat, for example, contains approximately 10 percent of water, while muscle contains approximately 75 percent.

It is possible to determine this percentage at home by using a body fat scale. Per Livestrong, these particular scales utilize “biolelectic impedance analysis, which involves sending a harmless electric current through your body. As electricity travels more easily through water, less resistance to the current indicates a higher body water percentage.”

Keep in mind that these scales only provide estimates. For a more accurate measurement, it is best to see your doctor.

What Causes It?

Simply put, dehydration and too much sodium. Those are typically the main culprits. However, a sneaky cause is actually carbs. It turns out that for every gram of carbohydrate that is stored, the body stores along with it three grams of water.

What Can I Do?

So naturally, you’re probably wondering what can be done to keep water weight at a healthy balance. Well, one of the simplest things to do is to get moving. Working up a sweat is the best way to reduce water weight and bloat. Another simple solution is to actually drink more water. I know that it can already be difficult to drink enough water, but drinking the amount you need can actually keep your water weight in check.