Understanding Some Causes For Exercise Weight Gain

By Don Douglas

If there is one phenomenon that dieters dread more than any other it is exercise weight gain. Nothing is more frustrating for a dieter than to faithfully follow a diet and workout plan only to find out that he weighs even more than when he started. For some, this can be so depressing that the entire effort is abandoned. Before giving up on the effort, however, it can be useful to take a look at why this can occur.

Muscle weighs more than fat

The old train of thought has been that people who experienced this phenomenon were simply adding lean muscle to their bodies as they burnt away fat. While this can be true over time, it is unlikely to occur within a few short weeks. The measuring tape can tell the tale.

Calorie issues

Calories are almost always the primary issue. While most people do not realize it, rapid caloric reductions can result in an increase in fat levels. The problem occurs when the body's systems decide that food is suddenly unavailable. When that happens, the metabolism is slowed and fat stores increase. Obviously, this defeats the purpose of cutting calories.

Other times, the problem might lie in uncounted calories that are not being considered. Many people who first start keeping food journals are amazed at the impact that these uncounted calories can have on the overall daily intake of food. Record everything that is eaten, no matter how small.

Dangers of stress

And then there is stress, which can cause a host of problems that result in fat retention. While some stress is almost unavoidable when people first begin to diet and work out in the gym, every effort should be made to minimize stress levels. Dieters who worry about how they look in comparison to others in the gym are setting themselves up for high stress levels and other problems.

It is important to remove these stress factors to avoid chemical imbalances that can negate any efforts to drop the pounds. In addition, be sure to eat a balanced and nutritious diet and get sufficient sleep each night. Dieters who focus on their goals, avoid caloric extremes, and adhere to these simple principles will have an easier time avoiding the dreaded exercise weight gain phenomenon.