Being out in the sun is many people’s favorite part of summer.

Swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, camping, ATV riding, mountain biking – there are a million ways have summer fun.

The sun is an excellent source of vitamin D, and frankly, most people don’t get enough of it. (It’s one reason I recommend my clients all take Vitamin D3.)

But many people take the “sun” part of fun in the sun too far, and end up with a wicked sunburn.

Most of us know the risks that come with too much sun and frequent sunburns, from wrinkles and leathery-looking skin, all the way to skin cancer.

What most people don’t realize is that sunburns cause weight gain.

A sunburn damages our skin. This means our body considers it an injury.

Injuries lead to to inflammation. It’s part of our body’s natural defense system.

And fluid retention is a side effect of inflammation.

When your body retains fluid, the scale number goes up.

(Clients of mine who’ve had surgery in weight loss mode also see the scale number go up.)

The good news is, the fluid retention is temporary, so your body heals and inflammation eases, your weight drops back down.

Even so, when it comes to sunburns, if you’re going to be out in the sun for more than 15 or 20 minutes in the summer, wear clothing that covers your skin, including a hat and sunglasses, and apply that sunscreen!

And make sure you get all your water in!