gained weight my first week. what's up?

[flossie612]

I started fitbit a week ago along with a couch to 5k run program. I have gained 3 pounds. I have not cheated with my diet or exercise program. What's up with that?

[SunsetRunner]

I was about to post the same. I have been using fitbit for a week and started c25k week 1. I gained 3.5 pounds too. Please let us know what is happening.

[evolutionx · Accepted solution]

Don't get discouraged. The majority of people starting a diet/exercise plan gain weight in the first couple weeks. The weight gain is caused from 2 things mostly...First, your body will retain water to help repair strained muscles, second...those muscles as they repair are growing and muscle is far heavier than fat. You are esentially shocking your body system(s) and it reacts in many ways. For me, I gained about 5 pounds in the first 3 weeks then gradually lost 0.5-1 for another 4 weeks and it was at about the 6-8 week mark that the weight loss accelerated. After 8 months I now drop 1.5 per week on avg. Patience and dedication is key...you wont see big results overnight. Best advice to stay on track...COUNT CALORIES and download MyFitnessPal and link it into FitBit.  Good luck!

[gerrymcd · Accepted solution]

Its not unusual to gain a few lbs anytime you change workout schedules/intensity.   Its mostly just water retention in muscles. 

[flossie612]

That's good to know. It is a bit discourgaging but I definately feel better and mentally know it is IMPOSSIBLE to be gaining weight on this program.