Is it normal to gain weight during 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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After an indulgent weekend or a vacation, it's normal to see a higher number on the scale. This can be worrying if you're trying to lose weight, but it's normal after eating more and isn't anything to stress about, Kara Mockler, registered dietitian and coach at RP Strength, told Insider.

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Despite a trend for increasing their physical activity while on holiday, the data showed that 61% of the participants put on weight while on vacation -- an average of 0.7 pounds. However the weight gained during the whole study, including the weeks after returning from vacation, was on average 0.9 pounds.

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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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7 strategies to keep vacation calories in check
  1. Set a goal to maintain, not gain. Put your weight-loss goal on pause during vacation. ...
  2. Don't drink your calories. Smart beverage choices make a huge calorie difference. ...
  3. Plan ahead. ...
  4. Practice portion control. ...
  5. Seek out veggies. ...
  6. Focus on non-food activities. ...
  7. Plan an active vacation.


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The reason for the five-pound “gain” is water retention. What is this? Not only do certain rich foods leave you retaining water, but you also have the physical weight of the excess food traveling through your system for at least 48 hours or so. Kind of gross, but it's in there!

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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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If you lose weight over the course of a few months, you won't regain it in a week, a personal trainer said. The scale may spike after a vacation, but that won't be all fat gain, according to Jordan Syatt. You can set some health boundaries, but your main priority should be enjoying yourself, he said.

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Let's face it: Summertime weight gain can be a real bummer, though experts say it's fairly common. During a one- to three-week vacation, adults tend to gain a little less than 1 pound (lb), according to a study published in March 2016 in Physiology & Behavior.

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Cause: Travel Sitting for long periods on cross-country flights or long road trips can cause water retention. Your muscles contract literally from sitting for too long, said Dr. Mack.

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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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Water weight is the most common cause of the scale increasing. And if you've eaten out a lot on vacation, then you can blame the extra salty foods you ordered. But sodium isn't the only nutrient that can increase water retention. There's a major macronutrient you eat every day that causes excess water gain: carbs.

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Studies have shown that taking time away from the job can have physical and mental health benefits. People who take vacations have lower stress, less risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and more motivation to achieve goals.

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7 strategies to keep vacation calories in check
  1. Set a goal to maintain, not gain. Put your weight-loss goal on pause during vacation. ...
  2. Don't drink your calories. ...
  3. Plan ahead. ...
  4. Practice portion control. ...
  5. Seek out veggies. ...
  6. Focus on non-food activities. ...
  7. Plan an active vacation. ...
  8. Related Topics.


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