The headache that turns out to be dehydration

The headache that turns out to be dehydration Writing it up because I had to work it out twice and would rather nobody else did.

Maintenance rather than loss, which is the part of this that almost nobody writes about.

I have been at roughly the same weight for 15 months. The interesting questions are all different from the ones I had at the start, and the documentation here is much thinner on this phase.

I would like to compare notes with people who are further along, and I would like to know what the published evidence says about this phase specifically rather than by extrapolation.

Potassium: similar to sodium; losing weight involves some potassium loss. Bananas, sweet potatoes, and other potassium-rich foods help. Severe depletion is rare but symptomatic (weakness, palpitations).

post #43 answers the question as asked. The question underneath it is different.

Sodium: losing weight involves losing some sodium. Electrolyte drinks or salty foods help maintain sodium balance. Very low sodium intake on these compounds raises orthostatic symptoms risk.

Lab testing: if symptoms are severe or persistent, checking electrolytes and minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium) and interpreting them in context of losses during weight loss is reasonable.

This follows post #65 rather than contradicting it.

Lab testing: if symptoms are severe or persistent, checking electrolytes and minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium) and interpreting them in context of losses during weight loss is reasonable.

Fluid intake: baseline needs increase with gastrointestinal effects and exercise. Thirst is not a reliable guide during appetite suppression. Drinking regularly (not just when thirsty) is prudent.

Picking up post #109: that is the part I would want checked first.

Fluid intake: baseline needs increase with gastrointestinal effects and exercise. Thirst is not a reliable guide during appetite suppression. Drinking regularly (not just when thirsty) is prudent.

On post #127 — agreed on the reasoning, with one qualification.

Two things before anyone answers the substance.

First, the context in the first post is clear and specific. Second, the question is framed so that an answer can actually address it. Both are the norm here and both matter more than they sound.

Sodium: losing weight involves losing some sodium. Electrolyte drinks or salty foods help maintain sodium balance. Very low sodium intake on these compounds raises orthostatic symptoms risk.