Can anyone explain why I have a fairly large weight fluctuation? It seems that my weight continually fluctuates in a 4-5 lb range.

I average about 144 lbs and 12% BF. But some days I come in around 140 and other days as high as 146. I have two scales so I don't think that is the problem. Any ideas?

I am trying to bulk eating about 200g protein a day, lifting 4 days a week.

Thanks…

Perfectly normal. Our weight fluctuates due to many factors, including how much food you have in you and how much water you have in you (you can retain water for all kinds of reasons). Take a look at my weight charts, they are all over the place. I tend to gain 3-4 pounds after my Friday night "cheat" meal because I retain water from the all the sodium in the pizza.

The best thing you can do is to make sure you weigh yourself at the same time each day (first thing in the morning after you go to the bathroom is the best time) and don't sweat the minor fluctuations.

Exactly. Most of the people I talk to see (and assume) a 10lb range. They can go up or down 5lbs depending on way too many factors. Hopefully you see that "range" move down (or up in the case of bulking) instead of paying attention to a single number.

I'd have to agree with John. Variations in your day-to-day weight are to be expected. The biggest variation I've ever had was 4kg (8.8lbs) following a night on the beers (with no dinner that night). I was as crispy as &$:*! the following morning, and the weight chart showed a big dip. The litres replenishment the following day, along with my Mum's Sunday dinner (you just can't refuse) added up to a huge upward change. However, a couple of days later, things had returned to expected levels.

If you are charting your changes, why not smooth the curve using 5- or 7-point averages. Makes all the peaks and troughs go away.

Andrew.