Despite regular exercise, a person may gain weight for several reasons. These include increased muscle mass, water retention, and stress responses.
If a personβs goal is to lose or maintain weight, gaining weight despite exercising can be discouraging. It can feel as if their hard work during workouts is not paying off.
However, weight gain from exercise can sometimes indicate changes in body composition. A personβs weight may increase as they develop more muscle mass and become stronger.
This article looks at why weight gain may occur with exercise and how supplements and metabolism may affect weight. It also looks at how to balance weight gain and exercise and stay motivated, and when to seek help.
People may gain weight despite or because of exercising for the following reasons:
A person may lose fat during exercise, but still gain weight. This is because exercise can increase muscle mass, which is denser and heavier than fat mass. These changes in body composition can lead to a leaner, stronger physique.
The amount of muscle mass a person develops through exercise can depend on several factors, including:
Water retention may lead to weight gain during exercise. This is a buildup of fluid in areas of the body that leads to swelling. It can cause temporary weight gain that may fluctuate.
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