Kleenex box for story on colds.  (Photo by Bob Carey/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Health - Wellness
Why You Might Gain Weight When You Have A Cold
By JORIE MARK
Many assume they will lose weight when sick, but that's not always the case. Weight loss due to stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, is pretty common since it is caused by severe dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea, but having a cold has the opposite effect on the human body.
Some ways to get better from a cold are drinking lots of fluids, eating soft foods, and getting plenty of rest. All these lifestyle changes can increase the scale readout for people who'd been trying to lose weight before getting sick with a cold.
Working out while having a common cold generally isn't a bad idea if your symptoms are mild, but if it includes a fever or a bad cough, stay in bed. Experts point out that weight loss caused by illnesses is not a healthy or sustainable way to achieve better body goals, so it is best to fully recover first before going back to the routine.