When you're trying to lose weight, you might be tempted to weigh yourself every day, or even multiple times a day, to check your progress. Weighing yourself too often can be discouraging, however, and might not provide an accurate indicator of the success of your weight-loss efforts. Keep certain factors in mind as you track your weight.
Frequency
Resist the temptation to weigh yourself too frequently. Your weight can fluctuate significantly from day to day or even within the same day, depending on hydration, perspiration and other factors. If you weigh yourself too often, these fluctuations could discourage you. Weigh yourself only once a week.
Time of Day
You can weigh yourself at any time of day, as long as you remain consistent from week to week. Weigh yourself once a week, at the same time of day each week. For consistency and encouragement, consider weighing yourself in the morning, before your weight fluctuates according to that day's food and fluid consumption.
Other Considerations
Minimize error in your weight measurements by keeping certain variables consistent. Wear the same type and amount of clothing each time you weigh yourself, and weigh yourself on the same scale each time.
Alternatives
Your weight measurements alone do not indicate whether or not you have a healthy weight. Your Body Mass Index, or BMI, can provide a more accurate indicator of your weight-related health risks. To calculate your BMI, use an online calculator, such as the one at nhlbisupport.com/bmi. Adults with BMI values between 25.0 and 29.9 have a healthy weight.
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