Water retention

Articles under this tag cover why the body holds extra water, common causes like sodium, carbs, stress, medications, and hormone shifts (including TRT-related changes), and how it affects weight, appearance, and blood pressure. You’ll learn practical ways to reduce bloating while protecting performance, hydration, and long-term health.

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The essentials for water retention — then explore the latest posts below.

Creatine weight gain: What’s normal, what’s not, and how to stay in control

Creatine weight gain: What’s normal, what’s not, and how to stay in control

Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS avatar
Dr. Bruno Rodriguez, DPT, CSCS: Strength, Recovery, and Physical Therapy Expert
Dec 11, 2025 · 10 min read

Creatine commonly increases scale weight by about 2 to 4.5 lb in the first week, mostly from osmotic water being pulled into muscle as creatine stores rise (especially with a loading phase). Learn how to tell normal water shifts from true fat gain and how to track performance and body composition so weigh-ins don’t catch ...

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