3 min readNew DelhiApr 29, 2025 03:29 PM IST
First published on: Apr 29, 2025 at 03:29 PM IST
Actor Krystle D’Souza recently revealed that, unlike what usually happens, she ended up gaining weight after going to the gym. “No, I don’t go to the gym. I used to go, but then I started gaining weight. Ulta hogaya mere saath (The opposite happened with me). I didn’t understand why it was so. As and when I stopped going, I shrank,” Krystle told comedian Bharti Singh and her husband and screenwriter Haarsh Limbachiyaa on their YouTube podcast.
She blamed the excess weight gain on her growing appetite. “Maybe because I tend to feel even more hungry when I go to the gym. Now, I am not that hungry. It’s weird. I am not promoting that one shouldn’t go to the gym, but mera ulta hogaya,” the 35-year-old added.
Do you tend to eat more? (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
When does it happen?
It is totally possible to gain weight after starting gym, especially if you’re new or getting back after a break, said fitness coach Varun Rattan. “Your muscles get the signal to grow when you begin weight training,” said Rattan.
Muscles store glucose as glycogen, which serves as a primary source of energy. Glycogen is bound to water in a ratio of approximately 1:3. This means for every gram of glycogen stored, your muscles hold about 3 grams of water. Initially, this water retention can result in a slight increase in weight, noted Rattan.
According to Rattan, the reading on the scale might increase or stay the same even while you are losing fat and becoming leaner, since muscle is denser than fat.
“This effect is usually more noticeable in beginners or people restarting weight training after some time off. This occurs because their muscles develop more quickly than those of a person who has trained consistently for more than a year,” said Rattan.
Eating well-balanced meals that include lean proteins and a variety of vegetables can help manage weight effectively. You must ensure that your calorie intake aligns with your goals.
“To keep your weight stable, consume the same amount of calories that you expend daily. To lose weight, you need to consume about 300–500 fewer calories than you burn, while you should eat more if you aim to gain weight,” said Rattan.
Focus more on how you feel and notice the fit of your clothes rather than on the number on the scale.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
Krystle D’Souza on gaining weight (Photo: Nikhil P Sawant/Krystle D’Souza/Instagram) 
Do you tend to eat more? (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
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