Routine Check-Up … On The Scales

 

A question in today’s Daily Mail about weighing in prompted this reply … interesting …

 

Should you weigh daily, weekly or how often and when?

 

Well it would appear that a set regimen is good for health!

 

Your weight varies throughout the day due to body fluid fluctuations. By hopping on the scales at the same time of day, you are less likely to think you’re heavier – or lighter – than you really are. ‘Research is ongoing as to whether daily or weekly weighing is most likely to lead to success,’ says Julia Westgarth, programme development manager at Weight Watchers.

 

The organisation currently advises weekly weigh-ins, but a Finnish study found that dieters who weigh themselves daily lose the most weight. The same study suggests it may be worth weighing yourself at least a couple of times a week. ‘Whatever weighing-in routine you settle into, it is the consistency that’s crucial, says Ms Westgarth. ‘If you’re tempted to weigh yourself more frequently than once a week, bear in mind that body weight fluctuates over time, with variations observed over the course of one day.’

 

I would add to that same time scenario the other things that matter – your clothing (or none) make sure you are wearing the same or similar clothing; and are using the same reliable scales set on the same floor surface. I can vouch for the fact that I can weigh 7lbs more in the evening (rather than morning); wearing clothes (rather than nude); and on different scales in the house! Taking these inconsistencies out of the equation gives me a more reliable and accurate figure to work with. 

 

What else do you think might affect this?