Weight gain is typically a result of consuming more calories than your body burns over a given period. If you had a week of binge eating but only gained a small amount of weight (200g), there could be several factors contributing to this seemingly lower-than-expected weight gain:
Water Retention: After a period of overeating, your body may retain more water than usual. High-sodium and high-carbohydrate foods can lead to increased water retention, which can temporarily mask fat gain on the scale.
Digestive Process: The digestion of large meals can take time, and food might still be in your system when you weigh yourself. This can add to the overall weight on the scale.
Metabolism Fluctuations: Your metabolic rate can vary based on factors like activity level, stress, and sleep quality. These fluctuations can influence how many calories your body burns.
Bowel Movements: The frequency and timing of bowel movements can affect your weight on the scale. If you haven't had a bowel movement, you may be carrying additional weight in your digestive system.
Muscle Gain: If you engaged in any physical activities during the week, such as resistance training, your body might have gained some muscle. Muscle is denser than fat, so it's possible to gain muscle mass while still seeing a relatively small increase in weight.
Calorie Miscalculation: Even if you believe you're tracking your calories correctly, it's easy to underestimate or overlook certain calorie sources. Little inaccuracies can add up over time.
Weight Fluctuations: Weight naturally fluctuates from day to day due to factors like hydration, hormones, and salt intake. This could account for the small weight gain you observed.
Individual Differences: Each person's body responds differently to overeating and weight changes. Genetics, metabolism, and other individual factors can influence how your body stores and burns calories.
It's important to remember that weight gain doesn't always happen immediately after overeating. It may take some time for the body to process and store excess calories. Consistency in eating habits and tracking, as well as understanding your body's response to various factors, will give you a clearer picture of your weight management journey.
If you have concerns about your weight or eating habits, consider consulting a registered dietitian or healthcare professional who can provide personalized guidance and support. They can help you create a healthy and sustainable plan to reach your goals.