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Vinesh Phogat and the entire nation’s dream of winning a medal in the Olympics was shattered due to her being just 100 grams overweight. Most people are worried whether weight can change in a day or overnight? The answer is yes!

Athletes, fitness freaks are very conscious about their weight. These days when we say that fitness is a trend, then we are talking about that community, who keep a close eye on their weight and calorie consumption. Despite this, it is difficult for women to control weight. Change in a kilo or two is a common problem for them. If you are also surprised to think that despite regular workout and calorie planning, why does your weight keep changing every day (Is Weight Fluctuation Normal)? Or why does the weight change suddenly from day to night (Why I gained weight overnight)? Then we are here to answer these questions of yours (Causes of weight gain overnight).

Why was Vinesh Phogat disqualified due to weight?

Vinesh Phogat weighed 49.9 kg on the first day (August 6) of women’s 50 kg wrestling competition at Paris Olympics 2024. After becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the Olympic final by winning three consecutive matches on Tuesday, Vinesh felt something and asked to check her weight. Her weight had increased by more than 2 kg. How did a wrestler who weighed 49.9 kg in the morning gain 2.7 kg in the night? And that too after participating in three grueling wrestling matches of three minutes?

Phogat exercised all night before the bout to lose weight. When Phogat reached the weighing hall in the morning, she weighed 150 grams more. With last minute extra workouts, she lost another 50 grams. However, by then her time was up and the last 100 grams disappointed her and the entire nation.

The Indian delegation reportedly sought some more time to give her a chance to lose the last 100 grams, but to no avail. Those who were with her during the weigh-in said that as soon as Phogat stepped out of the weighing hall, she broke down, realising that her fate was sealed.

She also defeated world No. 1 and Japan’s favourite Yui Susaki before reaching the 50kg final at the Paris Olympics. But she was disqualified in the final.

Can weight increase or decrease every day or overnight?

It is entirely possible that weight can increase or decrease daily or overnight. If you exercise for a long time in a day, or skip a meal for an entire day, it can cause a difference of 1 to 2 kg in your weight. There are many reasons for weight fluctuation, let’s understand those reasons.

These 5 reasons can be responsible for changes in weight (causes of Weight Fluctuation)

1. Food and water play an important role in this

Your weight depends on how many calories you consume and how many you burn throughout the day. It is nearly impossible to lose or gain several pounds in a day. In fact, water retention is a common cause of weight gain.
For example, overeating processed and salty foods can lead to water retention and weight gain, whereas running 5km can lead to temporary weight loss.

2. Hormones are also responsible

It is normal for women to experience weight changes during and around their period. Most women gain weight during this time. While some women may also lose weight. Weight gain during periods is often due to water retention and usually returns to normal eventually.

Hormonal fluctuations that occur during pregnancy, periods and other types of health conditions can also cause frequent weight gain and loss.

3. Fasting reduces weight

When you are sleeping, your body keeps working, but the body needs energy to work. During fasting, the body is working hard without food and water. Due to which weight is reduced during fasting. During rest, your body loses water through sweat and breathing.

4. Stress is also a factor

When you are stressed, your hormones change, which can lead to more or less hunger. Some people skip meals while others engage in stress eating. Both of these factors can cause weight fluctuations. Stress can also lead to cravings for processed and high-sodium foods, which can lead to water retention and weight gain.

5. Medication increases weight

In addition to changes in diet, certain medications and health conditions can cause weight changes.

6. Lack of sleep

Even if you haven’t slept through the night, you may still gain weight the next morning. Staying up late can be a cause of weight gain. Inadequate sleep makes you eat more and can cause a disturbed circadian rhythm. While sleep won’t help you lose weight, not getting enough sleep can potentially cause you to gain weight. So make sure to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night on a regular basis.

Note: Some common lifestyle activities and habits can cause weight gain and loss. But if your weight is continuously falling, or the weight is increasing very fast, and you are unable to understand the reason for this, then consult a doctor. Because sometimes weight gain and loss can be a sign of serious diseases, so it should not be taken lightly.

Weight gain and weight loss that happens due to regular activities or hormonal changes are temporary and do not last long. So do not rely on these to lose or gain weight. It is important to work on weight permanently.