Sudden Weight Gain: Is 15 lbs in a Month Normal? - Expert Advice

Question
Hello,
I am a 17 year old female who is 5'3' and now weighs 130 lbs. I used to weigh 115 lbs.

My question is ...is it normal for a girl to experience a 15 lb. weight gain in less than a month? I've gained 15 lb. (115 lbs. to 130 lbs.) I weightlift about 2 times a week but normally I don't gain this much in a month...is it safe for me to diet to get it off?
I am a athlete in at least 2 sports all season round so I am concerned...

Thanks,
Christine

Answer
Dear Christine, 15 pounds seems like alot, that's two pounds a week. If you know you have been eating the same, then it's water weight possibly combined with muscle gain. Inch for inch, muscle weighs more than fat. If indeed you have been eating more calories, then it could be fat and should be OK to diet it off. Keep track of what you eat and see your doctor for further evaluation because again, 15 pounds is a lot to gain in one month. Good luck, Laura Kraemer,Slimkids.com