Who has never seen its weight climbing after a gourmet weekend? In general, nothing alarming: the body eliminates the excess of salt and sugar in a few hours. But a taking of two or three kilos in just a few days, unrelated to food, can be a sign of a much more serious disorder from which more than 1.5 million French people suffer. The French Cardiology Federation recalls that “A weight gain of 2 kilos in less than 3 days must alert“.
Symptoms that should react
Sudden weight gain is not trivial, it can reveal a serious illness: heart failure. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of True Medical, describes: “Heart insufficiency is a disease where heart muscle can no longer pump enough blood to satisfy the needs of the organism, causing an accumulation of liquid and poor oxygenation of the organs. The main symptoms are shortness of breath with effort or rest, fatigue, swelling of the feet, legs or belly (edema), rapid weight gain, palpitations, persistent cough and a decrease in appetite“.
He also insists on the possible causes of a sudden variation: “Weight gain over a few days, without food change, is generally due to a retention of water and salt in the body. This can be linked to heart failure, hormonal disorders, certain drugs, kidney or hepatic disease, but it is often the consequence of venous congestion and a decrease in the effectiveness of the kidneys. This retention translates into swollen legs, a bloated belly and sometimes breathless“.
When to consult without delay
A normal variation after a generous meal should not worry. But if the pounds accumulate suddenly for no reason, especially with swollen legs, abnormal fatigue or short breath, it is better to consult quickly. Dr. Gérald Kierzek underlines: “UDo not gain weight of more than 2 kg in three days or 1.5 kg in one day, especially with swollen legs or belly, shortness of breath or worsening of heart symptoms, should lead to consulting quickly. It may be a sign of decompensation of heart failure or other medical problems requiring urgent management“.
Specialists recall: “Heart insufficiency is not inevitable. Detected early, it can be controlled by suitable treatment and rigorous lifestyle“. Monitoring your weight is therefore a simple, but vital gesture.