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13 replies8 peopleJul 16, 2026☆ Follow
Summary

Why does weight and bloating spike before and during periods on GLP-1s and how do people handle tracking?

Users report consistent water retention of 3-7 lbs and increased waist size starting about a week before menstruation and lasting through the cycle, even while on GLP-1 medications. Everyone agrees this is temporary and reverses after the period ends, so the common strategy is to skip weighing and measuring during that window. Practical steps mentioned include cutting sodium, adding potassium, drinking more water with electrolytes, and giving oneself a week off tracking. Cravings for sugar and salt also intensify for some but are somewhat reduced by the medication.

What this discussion establishes

Nothing here is advice.

13 replies · 8 people
ClearWillow31archiveopening postJul 16

On my path to losing weight, I've seen that right before my period arrives, I retain a bunch of fluid. The scale shows an increase of 3 to 4 pounds, and my waist gets bigger by about 5 or 6 centimeters. Even knowing it's likely just water, it makes me feel like I've put on serious pounds. It kicks in roughly seven days prior and lasts through the period, which is annoying for monitoring my results. Anyone else dealing with this on GLP-1 meds? What helps with the swelling and short-term scale jump?

AmberBeacon41archiveJul 16

Cut back on salt, move a little, and just skip the scale those days since it's only temporary fluid and nothing to worry about.

GreyPebble44archiveJul 16

Same thing happens to me so I just quit stepping on the scale during my period and give myself a full week off tracking. Once it's over I'm back to normal with no actual gain. It used to stress me out a lot and I even tried lymphatic drainage massages which did help. Be kind to yourself.

ClearWillow31archiveJul 16
↳ replying to @AmberBeacon41

Thanks! I've been watching my salt intake more closely and adding foods high in potassium to balance things.

ClearWillow59archiveJul 16

Salt always does that to me.

LevelAlder29archiveJul 16

I'm on my cycle now and even tirz isn't stopping the cravings for sugar and salt. There's not much junk around but I'm still eating more than usual and this month feels especially bad. It doesn't happen every time. I won't weigh until it's done and I've had some normal days again.

BrightPebble45archiveJul 16

Weigh the week after your period instead of the one before it. Your body is still going to do its usual thing once a month no matter what.

ClearWillow31archiveJul 16
↳ replying to @GreyPebble44

I have to admit I've been pretty intense about it and keep reaching for the tape measure and scale more than I should.

ClearWillow31archiveJul 16
↳ replying to @LevelAlder29

Same here. Last night I had dessert and a banana after dinner and still wanted more so I made myself eat a cucumber instead.

ClearWillow31archiveJul 16
↳ replying to @BrightPebble45

I thought my period was basically finished yesterday so I checked the scale expecting it to drop but it still hasn't gone back down.

IronTimber97archiveJul 16

This is completely normal. I usually wait several days after my period ends because weighing too soon means you're still carrying water and inflammation. I drink extra water with electrolytes. Sometimes while losing weight your body holds fluid and then you get a sudden drop after a plateau.

BrightPebble45archiveJul 16
↳ replying to @ClearWillow31

I'm 42 and still get periods. The week before I can hold two extra kilos that aren't real weight but the week after it feels like I've dropped five. I adjusted my routine to match what I need to feel good about my progress.

RustMarble10archiveJul 16

I was just wondering about this myself. I can carry an extra five to seven pounds that vanishes once my period ends. I get really hungry the week before but the medication has helped control that some.

ClearWillow31archiveJul 17
↳ replying to @RustMarble10

I'm really waiting for the scale to finally show a drop again.

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