Catching flu will probably result in you being bed-bound for a few days with a headache, cough, blocked nose, and a temperature.
Unfortunately, almost everyone experiences a bad case of common cold or flu every year and are struck down with the above symptoms.
This can be very unpleasant, and just to add insult to injury, this can sometimes lead to weight gain.
However, no need to fret! There is an explanation for this, and rest assured it’s rarely a result of fat gain.
So, why is there sometimes a jump on the scales upon recovering from flu? Is this anything to worry about? All will be discussed in this article!
The Dreaded Seasonal Flu and Common Cold
Flu will often get better on its own, though it does require some self-care strategies to assist with the recovery process!
Some symptoms you may experience if you have a bad cold or flu include:
- A high temperature
- Muscle aches
- Feeling exhausted
- Sore throat and dry cough
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- GI issues
The majority of the time, we are advised to rest, drink plenty of fluids, keep warm, and take over-the-counter medication to help ease the symptoms.
The Normality of Weight Fluctuations
Before answering the main question here: does having flu make you gain weight? It’s important to distinguish the difference between weight gain and fat gain.
It’s important to note that when talking about weight gain, we are solely referring to weight. While our fat mass makes up part of our weight, weight gain and fat gain are still different in many ways.
Fat gain simply refers to a gain in fat mass. This occurs when an individual consumes more energy (food) than what they expend over a consistent period.
On the other hand, weight gain simply refers to a gain in weight. While this can occur when we gain fat, it can also occur due to many other factors.
Some factors that cause weight fluctuations include:
- Medication
- Menstrual cycle
- Bowel movements
- Carbohydrate intake
- Salt intake
- Exercise
- Illness
Our weight is sensitive. If you weigh yourself in the morning and again in the evening, the number on the scales will be different. It may even change from hour to hour.
The above factors can cause weight fluctuations mostly due to changes in water weight. For example, increasing your salt intake over a couple of days may increase your weight as salt causes your body to hold more water.
This is why it’s important to take the number on the scales with a pinch of salt!
Does Having Flu Cause Weight Gain?
As we have established, many factors can cause weight fluctuations.
If you think about the recovery strategies you adopt when you become ill, you are essentially changing your usual routine.
Your appetite is off and you’re consuming different foods. You’re not as active due to tiredness. You may even be taking medications, or be suffering from GI issues such as diarrhea.
All of these minor lifestyle and nutrition changes can have a big impact on your weight. So, it’s likely you will experience potential weight fluctuations as your body is recovering.
What’s more important to remember is that this is temporary! Once you get back into your normal routine, eating patterns, and activity habits, your weight will return to normal.
The Bottom Line
Many of us are struck down with cold and flu symptoms every year, which can put a real strain on our daily life for up to a week or two.
When you’re unwell, your body goes into recovery mode. This is where you may be making small nutrition and lifestyle changes to speed up and support the recovery process.
As a result of these changes, you may notice changes in your weight, too.
This is very rarely fat gain and normally nothing to worry about. Once you return to your normal routine and eating habits, your weight will likely go back to normal.
Though, if you are ever concerned about your weight fluctuations due to illness or for any other reason, it’s important to seek advice from your doctor!
