Does flying change your weight?

Circadian rhythms change as people fly through different time zones. Researchers have found that these changes affect the metabolism and the levels of certain bacteria in the intestines, both of which can result in weight gain. In severe cases, people can suffer from metabolic disease.



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Four or more hours on a plane can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances, leading to a small increase in your weight, says Jampolis. If you do plan on weighing yourself after a flight (for some odd reason), drink lots of water while you're in the air and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you further.

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Sitting down in a tight seat for 13+ hours can sometimes lead to circulation issues, including swelling in the feet. According to The Healthy, the chance of your body forming blood clots increases when blood isn't moving correctly, such as when onboard a long-haul flight.

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Swelling is common during air travel The swelling is a combination of inactivity paired with the force of gravity pulling the fluids in your body toward earth. Sitting with your feet motionless for hours at a time can cause the blood to pool in the veins of your legs, but it isn't the only source of swelling.

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Humidity on the plane is sometimes likened to the desert at an interval of 10-20% with some research showing that in a “10 hour flight you lose from 1.6 to 2 liters of water.” Skipping water not only leads to fatigue and a headache, but you can experience bloating, swelling, and tight skin.

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“This means that the skin on your face and body can become incredibly dehydrated, even on a short flight.” The consequences can appear in the form of oily skin, breakouts and puffiness, as the skin desperately tries to hang on to water and compensate for the arid conditions.

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Travel: For some people, sitting for a long time in a car or airplane can cause fluid retention. The lack of circulation allows fluid to build up; however, the swelling usually goes away in a day or two.

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Air pressure is lower at higher altitudes, which means your body takes in less oxygen. Airlines “pressurize” the air in the cabin, but not to sea-level pressures, so there's still less oxygen getting to your body when you fly, which can make you feel drained or even short of breath.

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Airplanes have notoriously low humidity, which means the air is super dry. It's no wonder you hear everyone urging you to drink plenty of water when you fly. By the end of your flight, you're like a sun-dried tomato on a hot summer day. This lack of moisture and dehydration leads to fatigue.

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Sitting down in a tight seat for 13+ hours can sometimes lead to circulation issues, including swelling in the feet. According to The Healthy, the chance of your body forming blood clots increases when blood isn't moving correctly, such as when onboard a long-haul flight.

MORE DETAILS