Weight fluctuations over a weekend can be puzzling, and nutrition experts point to several practical reasons behind the scale moving. In a recent interview featured on Best Life, nutritionist Taylor Grasso broke down the main factors that commonly contribute to a weekend gain. The insights help readers understand how everyday choices, not just calorie totals, show up on the scale by Monday morning.
One key trigger is the sodium content in foods. When meals are high in salt, the body retains more fluid, which adds to the number you see on the scale. Beyond that, highly salted snacks and ready meals often come with a bountiful dose of carbohydrates and preservatives that can compound the effect. This fluid retention is usually temporary as the body adjusts once normal eating patterns resume, but it can feel frustrating in the moment.
Carbohydrates themselves play a crucial role. When carbohydrates are consumed, the body converts them to glucose. The liver and muscles store some of this glucose as glycogen, and glycogen binds water. This water retention contributes to transient weight gain, especially after a weekend of indulgent meals or bigger portions than usual. The more carbohydrates eaten in a single sitting, the more glycogen is stored, and consequently more water is retained in the muscles and surrounding tissue.
Alcohol consumption also factors into weekend weight changes. Alcohol can lead to both swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the body. It disrupts normal hydration and can trigger additional fluid retention, especially when paired with salty or fried foods that commonly accompany social occasions. The combination of alcohol, salt, and indulgent foods is a recipe for a temporary uptick on the scale that resolves as hydration and meals normalize in the following days.
Endocrinologist perspectives add another layer. Shawna Levy, a nutritionist and endocrinologist associated with Tulane University in the United States, cautions that supplements such as creatine, protein powder, and vitamin A can influence weight measurements when used regularly. Levy notes that while these supplements offer benefits for muscle and overall health, the body’s response can include shifts in water balance and metabolic demand. Importantly, the nutrients necessary for health can often be obtained from balanced, whole foods rather than relying heavily on supplements. This approach supports a stable weight trajectory over time.
Beyond the questions of intake and supplements, some discussions touch on how certain personal conditions or dietary intolerances interact with weekend eating patterns. For instance, individuals with gluten intolerance may experience digestive discomfort or related symptoms when exposed to gluten-containing foods. In such cases, choosing gluten-free options can help manage symptoms and support a more consistent daily routine. While the immediate concern is weight, the broader aim is maintaining energy, comfort, and well being through sensible food choices and mindful portion sizes. This mindset helps people avoid rapid, dramatic swings on the scale and fosters sustainable habits that endure beyond a single weekend.