Keep it off!

What's normal It's not uncommon to gain 1-3 pounds after you lose a substantial amount of weight as normal levels of water and glycogen, a form of sugar (carbohydrates) stored in your muscles and liver, are restored. If you were on a low-carbohydrate diet, you'll likely gain back a little more, say 3-5 pounds, as you start adding carbs back into your diet.

What's not normal Any additional weight beyond 3 pounds (or 5 pounds if you were on a low-carb diet) is most likely body fat, which, of course, you want to curtail. When to take action It's important to step on the scale once a week and to identify your "take-action" weight. For most people, this is 1-2 pounds above their target weight. When you exceed your take-action weight, go back to the habits that helped you succeed initially (provided they're healthful), such as cutting back on portions, drinking a meal-replacement shake or increasing your physical activity. It's critical to make a change quickly to get back on track.

James O. Hill, Ph.D., is director of the Center for Human Nutrition at Denver's University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and co-author of The Step Diet Book (Workman Publishing, 2004).

Dear Editor, I think this is interesting information, indeed, especially the fact that it’s not uncommon to gain back a few pounds after you finished dieting. That would have been important information for me to know on my attempts to keep off weight in the past. I think the tendency is to get alarmed and or frustrated and throw in the towel when you have reached your goal weight and then you see the weight start to go up for it seems no apparent reason, but this article addresses that issue. I wish I knew this information years ago, and I’m sure it will help all of those here at “Grace” who will soon be reaching their goal. :)

Also it’s important to take quick action when you see the first signs of a gain.

Great information !!!

This was a great post for me and I will be clinging to it when I reach goal again. I will need this time a "take-action" weight plan.