Why does my weight go down one week and up the next?

Short answer
Weight naturally fluctuates.

What’s usually happening
Water, food volume, and digestion can shift scale weight even when fat isn’t changing.

What this is usually not

• fat gain

• loss of progress

Common reasons

• salt intake

• bowel changes

• menstrual cycle

• meal timing

What usually helps

• looking at trends

• weighing less frequently

When to pay attention
If weight steadily increases over several weeks.

If your weight loss feels different, return to main weight loss page.