The scale might not be telling you the whole picture.
Although this can feel defeating, it can actually be a positive sign.
Below, well reveal the No.
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When you begin to exercise, your body composition changes.
Our bodies are made up of body fat and lean mass.
Body fat protects and insulates our internal organs, and serves as an energy reserve.
Having sufficientmuscle massis also vital to helping us live longer.
A pound of muscle and a pound of fat will weigh the same, but look different.
Muscle is dense and compact, while fat is larger in size and volume.
Muscle mass is also more metabolically active.
This means muscle burns more calories even at rest.
The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn in a typical day.
This leads to soreness, swelling and inflammation as your body works to repair itself.
This inflammatory process can cause temporaryweight gain.
Remember, these changes are temporary.
Consistency and sustainability are key to achieving your long-term health goals.
The Bottom Line
The No.
1 reason you might gain weight while working out and eating healthier is often from gaining muscle mass.
Building muscle supports overall health and improves strength, balance, bone health, mobility and longevity.
Jeukendrup A, Gleeson M.A Normal ranges of body weight and body fat.
In: Sport Nutrition.
Human Kinetics; 2009.
2020;69(4):565-598. doi:10.33549/physiolres.934371
