The doctor told about important differences between edema and excess weight

Excess weight or water retention? Endocrinologist reveals secrets of distinguishing between edema and fat deposits

According to the medical expert, edema is a condition when excess fluid accumulates in tissues. In a normal state, water in the body has a strict distribution between blood vessels, cells, and intercellular space. Disruption of this balance leads to fluid leaving the vessels and remaining in the tissues.

The specialist emphasizes that the causes of edema can vary from simple excess of salt in the diet to serious diseases. It's important to understand: edema is not an independent disease, but a symptom indicating an imbalance between fluid intake and elimination in the body.

"In particular, edema can indicate heart problems - blood stagnates in the lower extremities, and by evening the legs become heavy and shoes feel tight. Kidney problems - fluid is not properly eliminated, which is why morning swelling under the eyes appears more frequently. Decreased thyroid function (hypothyroidism) - edema is dense, skin becomes pale and cool, the face acquires a 'mask-like' expression. Hormonal fluctuations - for example, before menstruation or during pregnancy," the doctor explained.

The endocrinologist also notes that edema can occur as a side effect of certain medications - glucocorticoids, antidepressants, and calcium channel blockers.

The expert shared simple ways to distinguish edema from fat deposits, although they may look similar externally:

Variability throughout the day - with edema, body volume can change: the face swells in the morning, legs in the evening. Fat deposits don't "move" like this during the day.

Simple finger test - gently press on the skin of your shin or foot: if a pit remains that slowly recovers, you're dealing with edema. With fat deposits, the skin is simply elastic.

Weight gain rate - with edema, weight can "jump" by 1-2 kg literally in a day or two. Fat doesn't accumulate that quickly.

Sensations - with edema, you often feel heaviness, distension, clothes and shoes become tight.

"You should definitely consult a specialist if: edema appears without an obvious cause and persists for more than a few days; weight increases by 2-3 kg in a short period; there is shortness of breath, weakness, rapid heartbeat; edema is dense and doesn't go away even after sleep; you already have a diagnosis of thyroid, heart, or kidney disease. You can start with a general practitioner who will refer you to a cardiologist, nephrologist, or endocrinologist, depending on the suspected cause," advised the endocrinologist.

The doctor also recommends a number of measures that will help independently reduce the severity of edema: controlling fluid intake, limiting salt consumption, increasing physical activity. At the same time, the specialist cautions against taking diuretics on your own without consulting a doctor.

"Edema is not just a cosmetic defect or 'excess weight.' It's the body's signal that the internal balance of fluid intake and elimination has been disturbed. It's important to understand the cause in order to treat not the consequence, but to eliminate the source of the problem. If weight increases without changes in diet and there are the above-mentioned signs of edema - don't look for a 'magic remedy,' find a competent doctor," emphasized the endocrinologist.