My clothes are loose and I look thinner but I've put onweight...

[Titsalinabumsquash]

Can anyone tell me why?

I have gained 5-6 lbs but my regular clothes are getting baggy and loads of people have commented to say I'm looking a lot thinner and closer friends have even said gaunt

I am under a lot of stress but I eat a balanced diet and don't make a huge effort to excessive but I do a lot of running around to appointments and after DS3.

Any ideas?

different scales?
same scales on a different surface?

Same scales, same surface.

More activity = building (denser) muscle, but losing inches?

I don't move a lot tbh.

I think it's maybe body changing shape? I seem to have gained a pot belly but look thinner in my face and legs.

Get checked out. Extra weight may be fluid retention, especially if you are feeling unwell. Could be several reasons but needs medical investigation.

Will do, I'm due a check up with the nurse soon for my contraceptive pill so I'll ask then. Thanks.