Expert: Kim Farmer - 10/29/2008

Question
Hello there.
I am 15 year old, 5'3" , 110 pounds. I tried High intensity interval training (HIIT) last week, twice, for the first time. I have also been exercising ( running,walking,skipping,cycling ) every alternate day. It seems that I keep gaining weight- everyday. In total, I gained 2 kg. Is this muscle weight? How do I stop this? Should I stop exercising for a while? This is really worrying me- as I have previously lost 7 kg over a year with extreme hard work. I don't want to gain it all back again. I am eating rather little to moderately - not excessively. But I find myself gaining weight . What should I do and what is wrong? Please help. Thanks.

Answer
Hello-
Thank you for the question.  It would be possible that you could gain weight if you were doing consistent, somewhat intense weight lifting, but you didn't mention that.  If you are not lifting weights then the weight gain could be due to your body consuming more calories than it is burning assuming you don't have any hyperthyroid or other abnormal metabolic conditions.  In the average healthy person, you will typically lose weight if you are burning more calories than you are consuming.  Perhaps it is WHAT you are eating rather than how much.  

I would certainly not advise stopping exercise.  Make sure that you are consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, sources of lean protein and whole grains.  Continue to exercise and try to burn more calories than you are taking in.

I hope this helps, thanks for the question.