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Why does one start to gain weight when they begin working out

Gaining weight when you start working out can seem like a counterintuitive concept. After all, isn't the goal of exercising to lose weight? In reality, it's not so simple. Working out can actually cause your weight to increase, and there are a few reasons why this happens.

1. Increased Muscle: One of the main reasons why you gain weight when you start working out is because of increased muscle mass. As you exercise, your body builds more muscle, and muscle weighs more than fat. So even if you're not losing fat, you could still be gaining weight due to increased muscle mass. This is especially true if you're lifting weights, which is one of the best ways to build muscle.
2. Water Retention: Another possible reason why you gain weight when you start working out is water retention. When you exercise, your body needs more water to fuel your muscles and keep them hydrated. This can lead to a temporary increase in weight, as your body is holding onto more water than usual. Your body will retain water to compensate for the loss of fluids, which can cause your weight to increase.
3. Increased Appetite: When you start working out, you may find yourself hungrier than usual. This is because exercise increases your metabolism, which means your body needs more energy. To get this energy, you may find yourself eating more, which can lead to weight gain.
4. Inaccurate Measurements: If you're using a scale to measure your progress, you may find yourself gaining weight when you start working out. This is because scales measure your total body weight, including muscle, fat, and water. So even if you're losing fat and gaining muscle, the scale may not show it.
5. Unhealthy Habits: Finally, you may be gaining weight when you start working out due to unhealthy habits. For example, if you're rewarding yourself with unhealthy snacks after a workout, you may be taking in more calories than you're burning. Or, if you're not drinking enough water, your body may be retaining more water than it needs.

Gaining weight when you start working out can be discouraging, but it doesn't have to be. In most cases, the weight you're gaining is due to increased muscle mass, water retention, or other healthy changes. Keep in mind that these changes are all part of a healthy lifestyle, and they can help you reach your fitness goals in the long run.

As long as you’re following a healthy diet and getting enough rest, the weight gain should eventually stabilize. Just be patient and don’t give up on your exercise routine. With time, your body will adjust to the new demands you’re placing on it and the weight gain should cease. Gaining weight when you start working out is a normal process. As long as you’re eating enough to fuel your body and your workouts, you should be able to maintain your weight.