What is one expected effect of carbohydrate loading on body weight?

Carbohydrate loading is a strategy employed by athletes, particularly endurance runners, to maximize glycogen stores in the muscles and liver before an event. When carbohydrates are consumed in excess, the body converts them into glycogen, which is stored along with water. Each gram of glycogen is bound to approximately 3-4 grams of water. As a result, when athletes increase their carbohydrate intake in preparation for a race, they will also experience an increase in water retention, leading to an overall increase in body weight.

This increase in weight is primarily due to the water associated with the stored glycogen and does not reflect an increase in fat or muscle mass. Therefore, the expected effect is that body weight will increase as glycogen reserves are built up in the body.

This increase in body weight is a normal physiological response and can be beneficial for athletes as it helps enhance performance during prolonged endurance activities. So, the correct understanding centers around how the body's mechanism of glycogen storage contributes to water retention, resulting in a noticeable weight increase.