why are dead bodies heavy

A dead body is not heavier, but it feels heavier because it lacks the muscle tone that a living body uses to stay balanced and stable. This loss of muscle tension, called “deadweight,” means the limbs and head will sprawl and shift under gravity, making it much harder to lift and carry because it offers no counter-balance or help. The body also can’t help with leverage or maintain a stable center of gravity like a conscious person can.Â