A DOCTOR has warned that some people celebrating dramatic weight loss may not actually be losing fat – but water weight instead.
While the number on the scales might be going down, what you’re really in those first few days might not be what you think.
According to Professor Franklin Joseph of Dr Frank’s Weight Loss Clinic, it’s common to drop a few pounds quickly when starting a new diet – but this often isn’t the long-term fat loss people are aiming for.
“Rapidin the first week or two is often justwater,”; Prof Joseph explained.
“It can feel motivating, but it’s important to understand what’s actually happening in the body – otherwise you’ll be left confused or disappointed later on.”;
Here, Prof Joseph shares five tell-tale signs yourweightlossis mostlywater– and how to know when you’re really .
1. You’velostweightveryquickly
If you find yourself dropping 2-3kg in the first few days, it’s likelywater.
Prof Joseph says: “True fatlosshappens more gradually – usually around half a kilo to a kilo per week, depending on your body size.”;
He explains that cutting carbs or suddenly causes your body to shed stored glycogen – which is bound towater– leading to a sudden “flush”; ofweight.
2. Your clothes fit the same
Waterlossdoesn’t tend to change your much, Prof Joseph said.
He added: “If you’re still squeezing into the same jeans but the scale has moved, it’s a sign it’s not fatlossyet.”;
True fatlossleads to inchloss– particularly around the waist, hips and face.
3. You’re constantly needing the loo
is a classic sign ofwaterloss, said Prof Joseph.
“If you’ve suddenly gone from visiting the toilet a few times a day to rushing off every hour, it’s likely your body is shedding excess fluid,”; he advised.
4. You feel flatter, not firmer
“A lot of people say they feel ‘deflated’ rather than leaner,”; Prof Joseph said.
“That soft, empty feeling iswaterleaving your tissues – not fat burning off.”;
Fatloss, by contrast, tends to come with better muscle tone and more energy.
5. Yourweightbounces back easily
If you have one higher-carb meal or a salty takeaway and suddenly gain a kilo overnight, that’s awaterrebound, said Prof Joseph.
He added: “Fat doesn’t come back that quickly – butwaterdoes.”;
So how do you know when you’re actually burning fat?
The real signs of fatlosstend to be more gradual.
“Clothes fitting better, more energy, and small, steady drops on the scale that don’t bounce around too much,”; Prof Joseph said.
His advice? “Don’t be discouraged by slow progress – it’s a good thing.
“Fatlossis meant to be steady.Waterweightis easy come, easy go – but fatlossthat lasts is worth the wait.”;
