Water Weight: What is it and How To Get Rid of It?

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With the right diet and nutrition losing water weight is possible. (Image via Unsplash / I Yunmai)
With the right diet and nutrition losing water weight is possible. (Image via Unsplash / I Yunmai)

Managing water weight is a common problem among people who are trying to drop a few pounds. It’s normal to have some water retention, especially among women, who experience high levels of estrogen at specific times of the month. However, if you hold on to a lot more water weight than usual, it may be time to do something about it.

Read on to learn some tips on how to get rid of water weight and start losing fat in a safe way.


What is Water Weight?

Water retention, also known as edema, is defined as an increase in your body's overall weight due to the accumulation of fluids in your body tissues. The average human body is composed of about 60% water, which is divided among organs and blood cells. Throughout the day, water moves through the membranes of your cells on a mission to maintain homeostasis.


Causes of Water Retention

Alcohol and more salt intake causes water retention. (Image via Pexels / Andres Ayrton)
Alcohol and more salt intake causes water retention. (Image via Pexels / Andres Ayrton)

Water retention is caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Salt Intake - The body stores excess salt in the kidneys and liver as well as other tissues, which can cause you to retain water. If you're eating too much salt (sodium), your body will hold onto more water than normal.
  • Alcohol Consumption - Alcohol acts as a diuretic in the body and causes you to urinate more frequently than usual, which means that less fluid stays in your system long enough for it to be absorbed into the bloodstream or excreted through sweat or urine.
  • Foods High in Sodium Content - Foods like tomatoes or cheese may also lead to water retention because they contain high levels of sodium chloride (the chemical name for table salt).

Remember that the more food with high amounts of sodium you consume throughout the day, the greater the chance there'll be for excessive amounts being stored throughout various parts of your body, including joints, due to their capacity to act as natural storage spaces. This causes swelling around those areas resulting from increased blood volume levels.


How To Lose Water Retention In The Stomach?

Here are some of the ways to get rid of water retention in the stomach:

1) Drink More Water - One of the easiest ways to lose water retention in your body is by drinking more water. Drinking at least half your body weight in ounces per day is recommended for anyone who wants to avoid bloating and swelling, but it's especially important if you're experiencing this issue.

2) Exercise - Another way to get rid of water retention is through exercise, which helps increase circulation throughout your body and reduces swelling as well as improves overall health.

Eating a balanced meal and fruits can help reduce water weight. (Image Pexels / Andrea Piacquadio )
Eating a balanced meal and fruits can help reduce water weight. (Image Pexels / Andrea Piacquadio )

3) Diet - You can also try eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins like chicken breasts or tuna fish (or vegetarian options), whole grains like brown rice or quinoa instead of white bread or pasta, which have been processed into junk food items like cookies and cakes.

This means no more salty foods such as chips and cheese curls and no alcoholic drinks such as beer, since alcohol tends to make people retain more water weight than usual. Therefore, try switching those with healthier choices such as fruit juice mixed with orange juice instead. Also, be sure to avoid caffeine products such as coffee, tea, and chocolate.

4) Eating nuts and seeds - Consume more nuts and seeds to fight this problem. Because they contain high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol levels, they also contribute to reducing any risks associated with heart disease down the road!

Exercising is also one of the ways to lose water weight. (Image via Unsplash / Jonathan Borba)
Exercising is also one of the ways to lose water weight. (Image via Unsplash / Jonathan Borba)

Is Water Weight Loss a Real Form of Weight Loss?

While water weight isn't as "real" as weight from muscles and fat, it does exist. Make healthy choices to keep it at bay, and you'll see results. There's no way you're going to suddenly gain three pounds of fat overnight.


Water weight is a temporary condition that is usually caused by dehydration and can be relieved through proper hydration. You may think that drinking more water will help you lose weight, but it's the opposite. Drinking too much water will make your body hold onto more fluid than usual because the body receives a signal that there isn't enough in its system already.