Is it normal to gain 5 pounds in a week on vacation?

Weight gained after a vacation or indulgent weekend doesn't mean you've put on fat. It's probably just water retention, experts say. Rebel Wilson said she gained almost seven pounds while on vacation at an all-inclusive resort. Eating more salt and carbs can make us gain water weight, not fat, a dietitian said.



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The study found that 61 percent of the participants gained weight while on vacation, with an average gain of 0.7 pounds, and that the weight gained throughout the entire study averaged 0.9 pounds. There was a large variation, however, with some participants losing weight and some gaining as much as 7 pounds.

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The key to dropping that weight is getting right back on track with a sleep routine + diet. Getting a good nights' sleep will give your body time to recover, and allow your body to start releasing water weight and providing it with proper nutrition will do the same.

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Just like no one “healthy” meal can make you lose 5lbs, no one “unhealthy” meal can make you gain 5lbs. Vacation eating is not going to significantly impact your weight in the long term. This is supported by studies that show that the average holiday weight gain from Thanksgiving to New Years is less than a pound.

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Weight gained after a vacation or indulgent weekend is likely caused by water retention not fat, experts told Insider after actor Rebel Wilson said she put on three kilograms (almost seven pounds) while at an all-inclusive resort.

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If you have one high-sodium meal and then return to normal, healthy dietary habits, you'll likely return to your normal weight in 1-2 days. If you're returning from a vacation of over-indulging and are retaining a higher amount of excess fluid, it may take longer.

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Remember that eating more than usual on vacation is normal, and doesn't mean anything about you.

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“Flying often causes major water retention, which can impact the scale. So, with that in mind, use the scale on vacation as a means to increase accountability, exercise damage control, and to keep your head in the game,” he said.

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