Accord Medical Clinic – Singapore
Temporary fluid retention that can mask true fat loss on the scale.
Your body weight can fluctuate 1-3 kg daily due to water retention from salt, hormones, or carbohydrates. This is not fat gain β it is temporary water weight.
Water comprises 50-60% of body weight. Glycogen storage binds 3-4g water per gram. Hormonal fluctuations (menstrual cycle, cortisol) and sodium intake drive short-term fluid shifts independent of fat mass changes.
Understanding water weight prevents discouragement from daily scale fluctuations. Focus on weekly trends and body measurements rather than daily weigh-ins.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns. Accord Medical Clinic Singapore is an MOH-registered medical clinic in Singapore. Dr Joseph Wang (Family Physician) provides medical weight management consultations.