The human body contains around 60% water, which plays a key role in all aspects of life. However, excess water retention and bloating is a common side effect of chronic inflammation. Also known as fluid retention, edema can be caused by food intolerances, poor diet, toxin exposure and diseases like kidney failure. Women may also experience water retention during the luteal phase aka PMS week of their menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. For most people, excess water weight is not a serious health issue. Exercise may be one of the best ways to reduce water weight in the short-term. Any form of it increases sweat, which means you will lose water. The average fluid loss during 1 hour of exercise is anywhere between 16–64 oz (0.5–2 liters) per hour, depending on factors such as heat and clothing. A lot of athletes who are trying to meet their weight class will use this strategy, I do not recommend people who just want to lose a few pounds of water weight to do this as this can be extremely dangerous if not done correctly. During exercise, your body also shifts a lot of water into your muscles.