The (Person) Scale Argument
kiela64
Posts: 1,447 Member
Amazingly, my family is on board with getting a food scale. I anticipated some resistance, but my Dad actually brought it up first. Awesome! However, no one is on board with the idea of getting a scale to weigh a person.
(Background: I'm 21 & live at home so decisions do need to be made as a family. I can get reliably weighed once a month at my doctor's office by the dietician. My gym has an old and unreliable scale that I could use in between to guesstimate changes. I feel like that's a limited amount of data, and since I am just starting out with over 60lbs to lose, I would like more feedback about what's working and what's not working.)
That's me, but I want to hear from you - How frequently do you weigh yourself? Why does that work for you? Do you weigh yourself at home or not? I'd like to hear a mixture of things, to see what the different approaches are.
Reading on here, I see a lot from the "daily-weigh-in for fluctuations and trends" crowd. My dietician has expressly stated "Do Not Weigh Daily" as an overarching rule. I'd like to know more about the reasons behind both of these arguments, and if there's another argument for sure let me know! Thanks
(Background: I'm 21 & live at home so decisions do need to be made as a family. I can get reliably weighed once a month at my doctor's office by the dietician. My gym has an old and unreliable scale that I could use in between to guesstimate changes. I feel like that's a limited amount of data, and since I am just starting out with over 60lbs to lose, I would like more feedback about what's working and what's not working.)
That's me, but I want to hear from you - How frequently do you weigh yourself? Why does that work for you? Do you weigh yourself at home or not? I'd like to hear a mixture of things, to see what the different approaches are.
Reading on here, I see a lot from the "daily-weigh-in for fluctuations and trends" crowd. My dietician has expressly stated "Do Not Weigh Daily" as an overarching rule. I'd like to know more about the reasons behind both of these arguments, and if there's another argument for sure let me know! Thanks
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How often you weigh is personal preference.
How do you know the scale at hlrhe gym is unreliable?0 -
First - is there a reason you cannot get a scale for yourself and they can use it or not if they wish?
Second - I weigh daily because in the past, when I would only weigh once a week or every other week, I would get frustrated when I didn't see the change I expected. By weighing daily, it is a daily reminder that my weight can go up or down any given day, but so long as the trend is down I'm good. It also helps keep me accountable for cheating. If I go up significantly after "cheating" then I see an immediate cause-effect. This is just how my mind works though... Not necessarily the best for everyone.0 -
wait, you are 21. Why can't you just get a job and buy a scale for yourself and keep it in your room? I can understand if your parents don't want to buy a scale for the family, as that is asking them to spend their money.
Also, many locations have scales. My local grocery store has a scale built into the blood pressure station. If I didn't have a scale at home and didn't want to buy one I'd go over there once per week in the morning and weigh myself. You can also find these devices at pharmacies. Is there nothing like that near where you live?
As for daily vs weekly. That is personal preference. Most people who advocate weekly (or longer) do so because a lot of people who weigh daily get discouraged and quit all because of water weight fluctuations. I personally like to weigh daily.0 -
I don't really understand why a 21 yo cannot buy her own scale with her own money to weigh her own body.
I weigh myself at home every day, first thing in the morning after going to the bathroom and then taking my clothes off. That's the best time for me because all of the variables (weight of clothing, hydration level, etc.) are fairly consistent at that time of day. I like to see my daily weight fluctuations. I like the data. I don't get freaked out by it. I think that more people (women especially) would be better served by weighing themselves daily so that they could get it through their skulls that a person's weight is not fixed from day to day and that weight fluctuations are completely and biologically appropriate.0 -
I think it really depends on the person. Some people absolutely freak out about the natural fluctuations in weight that everyone has. They should weigh less frequently than someone who understands the fluctuations and isn't bothered by them. Those numbers people who plot out everything and enjoy seeing the fluctuations are fine to weigh every day.
Myself I have a set weigh in day on Monday morning - at home, first thing, naked. I log that weight no matter what it is as my "official" weight. But I also stand on the scale a few times a week just do see how I'm doing...0 -
I weigh daily. I think the data is important and don't worry too much about daily fluctuations. When I don't weigh daily is when I wander off track.
Weight is not the only metric, 'tis true, but it is an important one.0 -
I'll also add, that if you think the gym scale is off because it is different than the doctors scale there are two things that could be going on (besides the gym scale being off). 1st, it could be that the doctors scale is not calibrated. 2nd, water weight fluctuation would make comparing the scales with your own body inaccurate.0
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Personally, I do it daily. Same time each morning to get as consistent a reading as possible. I keep a log and review the trendline periodically.
The downside with weighing daily is that you do see days that you go up, with no direct discernible reason. These can be discouraging for some people. If that's you, weighing once a week is ok. I wouldn't go further out than that because it just means you end up waiting longer to spot a problem and make adjustments.
If you're trying to lose weight, a scale is the tool you need to determine that what you are doing works or not.
There are other measurements you can use, like body tape or calipers to estimate your body fat percentage. I'd use them in addition to a scale to help give you a little more insight into how you're doing.
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I weigh myself nearly everyday under as identical conditions as possible. I do weigh on the same scale in, the same room, in the morning prior to breakfast, after bathroom, in the buff. I like data and I don't get all worried if I go up a little for a day or even a few days. I track it in a spreadsheet with a trend line. The trend is what I concentrate on, as long as it is downward I do not freak. I record the lowest weight of the week on MFP to adjust my calorie goal and every loss in fitbit so it adjusts my calorie burn. I like to be able to see patterns in my weight fluctuations. The people on the national weight loss registry, those who have lost over 35 pounds and kept it off for more than a year, report weighing no less than once a week. I have seen people get a little crazy who weigh more than once a day, so I wouldn't recommend any more often.
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Also, your avatar makes me think of a bolt of mageweave cloth every time I see it.0
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Reading on here, I see a lot from the "daily-weigh-in for fluctuations and trends" crowd. My dietician has expressly stated "Do Not Weigh Daily" as an overarching rule. I'd like to know more about the reasons behind both of these arguments, and if there's another argument for sure let me know! Thanks
We can't know why your dietitian said this. If it's due to you becoming obsessive or overly focused on the scale, it would be worth following that advice.
I weigh daily as part of a strategy of becoming less concerned or bothered by the number on the scale. It's just a piece of information. But if you can't do that, you shouldn't use that strategy.0 -
Generally, dietitians use this blanket recommendation to discourage people from obsessing. Many people do not understand daily fluctuations and will be disappointed if they don't lose (or gain) every day. It's part of the idea that the number isn't everything.
At the same time, fluctuations can more easily hide a loss if you only weigh once a week. Personally, I have an official weigh-in day 1x/week but I weigh every day. I've come to learn my body's fluctuations and can recognize as my high numbers start to decrease. So while I may lot have had an official loss in a week or two-I can see my high fluctuations going down. This is usually followed by a "whoosh". I think it's cool to watch.
You can get a good scale for $20-30. If the rest of your family doesn't want to weigh-can't you just keep it in your bedroom? Do you have a history of disordered eating that would account for them not wanting you to have a scale? (And perhaps the dietitians recommendation?) if you answer no-get yourself a scale.0 -
You're going to lose the same amount whether you weigh yourself or not. It's not a necessity and if there isn't room or money for a scale, skip it and weigh once a month. No big whup.
I weigh daily because I like to do that. But sometimes I think it's a little wacky to weigh every single day. If someone stole the scale and I had to weigh monthly, I could live with it. 0 -
I weigh daily first thing after using the bathroom in the buff and track in happy scale to watch for trends. It goes up and down but the trend is down so all is good. It's not for everyone but because weight fluctuates so much I would hate if my one day I got on the scale was the up day instead of the day I'm down.
There are a lot of threads about how often do you weigh if you want to go look for more opinions.
If you want to weigh daily then just buy yourself a scale.0 -
I would guess your dietician doesn't want you to get caught up and worried about tracking scale weight progress right off the bat. It is far less overwhelming to first just get calorie tracking, weighing your food and accurately logging down.
While I was losing, I was a weekly weigher, every Monday 1st thing to keep myself accountable over the weekends. When I was down to the last 8 pounds the weight slowed to about a half pound every 2-3 weeks so I backed off weighing to only every other week so I wouldn't get discouraged and give up. Now that I am in maintenance you can bet that I weigh and track my weight daily because I don't want to ever let my guard down again.
I know both my doctor and my son's doctor welcome us going into the nurse's station anytime to do a weight check. No charge and no appointment necessary. Perhaps a once a week trip to the nurse treatment station at your doctor's office would work for you.
Best wishes on getting started with your weight loss. Just remember, even though sometimes you might get a little frustrated or discouraged, keep with it, trust the process, work closely with your dietician and never give up 0 -
Amazingly, my family is on board with getting a food scale. I anticipated some resistance, but my Dad actually brought it up first. Awesome! However, no one is on board with the idea of getting a scale to weigh a person.
(Background: I'm 21 & live at home so decisions do need to be made as a family. I can get reliably weighed once a month at my doctor's office by the dietician. My gym has an old and unreliable scale that I could use in between to guesstimate changes. I feel like that's a limited amount of data, and since I am just starting out with over 60lbs to lose, I would like more feedback about what's working and what's not working.)
That's me, but I want to hear from you - How frequently do you weigh yourself? Why does that work for you? Do you weigh yourself at home or not? I'd like to hear a mixture of things, to see what the different approaches are.
Reading on here, I see a lot from the "daily-weigh-in for fluctuations and trends" crowd. My dietician has expressly stated "Do Not Weigh Daily" as an overarching rule. I'd like to know more about the reasons behind both of these arguments, and if there's another argument for sure let me know! Thanks
Uh, no...you are still an adult and can/should do your own thing. You are responsible for your own weight.
Get a scale, put it in your room and use it.
"Do not weigh daily" is a silly rule. Unless your weight fluctuates wildly or you are going to freak out about it, weighing every day is just fine. Why WOULDN'T you want more data?0 -
*shrugs*. I tend to discount absolute didactic advice.
I love my scale.
I weigh myself daily. I am reconciled to the reality that hydration, stress, sodium intake, amount of sleep, and biochemical factors (including menses) will affect the number on any given day.
Weighing daily can give you data to work with, including (if relevant) information about how your weight correlates to your cycle.
Your mileage may vary. If you are going to be upset by daily fluctuations, daily weighing may not be for you. As for whether to get one, your family dynamics are better known to you and your business.
My opinion is that you are a young adult; if you want to purchase a scale for your use, it is your responsibility to accumulate the funds and your privilege to spend those funds as you choose.
That may not work for you, for whatever reasons you have.
I recommend having a scale, and using it daily.0 -
Dietician and parents say no scale in house
I'm thinking in treatment for ED
Am I right?0 -
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DeguelloTex wrote: »How often you weigh is personal preference.
How do you know the scale at hlrhe gym is unreliable?
Ah, sorry! I've stood on it a couple of times, and the needle moves so much I can get within a 5lb radius of my weight (eg somewhere between 185 and 190) but it doesn't hover higher or lower within that range so I can't really tell to the pound.Dietician and parents say no scale in house
I'm thinking in treatment for ED
Am I right?
Nope. This is the first time I've ever tried to lose weight. My mom has yo-yo dieted and sees owning a scale as a problem. We had a tenant for a while who had one and she requested it be removed. The dietician, I have no idea. She says it's something she recommends for everyone because of daily fluctuations.nordlead2005 wrote: »wait, you are 21. Why can't you just get a job and buy a scale for yourself and keep it in your room? I can understand if your parents don't want to buy a scale for the family, as that is asking them to spend their money.
Also, many locations have scales. My local grocery store has a scale built into the blood pressure station. If I didn't have a scale at home and didn't want to buy one I'd go over there once per week in the morning and weigh myself. You can also find these devices at pharmacies. Is there nothing like that near where you live?
As for daily vs weekly. That is personal preference. Most people who advocate weekly (or longer) do so because a lot of people who weigh daily get discouraged and quit all because of water weight fluctuations. I personally like to weigh daily.
I don't have a job at the moment, but I can easily buy a scale with my savings. I'd prefer not to hide it, because I think that's just unpleasant for everyone involved and a little childish. My parents wouldn't be buying it if I did get one, it's more about it existing in the house.
There are a number of pharmacies near me and none have scales, and only one has a blood pressure reader and none have scales. I have heard before about people having them in malls, but I've never seen them. Is that an American thing?azulvioleta6 wrote: »
Uh, no...you are still an adult and can/should do your own thing. You are responsible for your own weight.
Get a scale, put it in your room and use it.
"Do not weigh daily" is a silly rule. Unless your weight fluctuates wildly or you are going to freak out about it, weighing every day is just fine. Why WOULDN'T you want more data?
Well that's why I'm asking. I am able to and can purchase a scale, I'm interested in whether it's worth defending and having a big discussion, and of course I would need facts and arguments to support that decision. I'm looking into making the decision to either press the issue and say "a scale is necessary because xyz" or leave it as is.
*sigh* I'm sorry, I find it odd that no one thinks a 21 year old living at home would need permission from parents to do things without some sort of conspiracy. The fact is I live in their house so I need to work with them rather than just doing whatever I want. When I go out, they need to know where I am and who I'm with, when I'll be home, and what I'm doing. If I'm making a life change, I need to run the pieces by them. Is this not normal? Are you not considerate with the people you live with? I've gotten this IRL too sometimes and it's just not something I understand. I'm giving my parents respect because I live with them.
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DeguelloTex wrote: »How often you weigh is personal preference.
How do you know the scale at hlrhe gym is unreliable?
Ah, sorry! I've stood on it a couple of times, and the needle moves so much I can get within a 5lb radius of my weight (eg somewhere between 185 and 190) but it doesn't hover higher or lower within that range so I can't really tell to the pound.Dietician and parents say no scale in house
I'm thinking in treatment for ED
Am I right?
Nope. This is the first time I've ever tried to lose weight. My mom has yo-yo dieted and sees owning a scale as a problem. We had a tenant for a while who had one and she requested it be removed. The dietician, I have no idea. She says it's something she recommends for everyone because of daily fluctuations.nordlead2005 wrote: »wait, you are 21. Why can't you just get a job and buy a scale for yourself and keep it in your room? I can understand if your parents don't want to buy a scale for the family, as that is asking them to spend their money.
Also, many locations have scales. My local grocery store has a scale built into the blood pressure station. If I didn't have a scale at home and didn't want to buy one I'd go over there once per week in the morning and weigh myself. You can also find these devices at pharmacies. Is there nothing like that near where you live?
As for daily vs weekly. That is personal preference. Most people who advocate weekly (or longer) do so because a lot of people who weigh daily get discouraged and quit all because of water weight fluctuations. I personally like to weigh daily.
I don't have a job at the moment, but I can easily buy a scale with my savings. I'd prefer not to hide it, because I think that's just unpleasant for everyone involved and a little childish. My parents wouldn't be buying it if I did get one, it's more about it existing in the house.
There are a number of pharmacies near me and none have scales, and only one has a blood pressure reader and none have scales. I have heard before about people having them in malls, but I've never seen them. Is that an American thing?azulvioleta6 wrote: »
Uh, no...you are still an adult and can/should do your own thing. You are responsible for your own weight.
Get a scale, put it in your room and use it.
"Do not weigh daily" is a silly rule. Unless your weight fluctuates wildly or you are going to freak out about it, weighing every day is just fine. Why WOULDN'T you want more data?
Well that's why I'm asking. I am able to and can purchase a scale, I'm interested in whether it's worth defending and having a big discussion, and of course I would need facts and arguments to support that decision. I'm looking into making the decision to either press the issue and say "a scale is necessary because xyz" or leave it as is.
*sigh* I'm sorry, I find it odd that no one thinks a 21 year old living at home would need permission from parents to do things without some sort of conspiracy. The fact is I live in their house so I need to work with them rather than just doing whatever I want. When I go out, they need to know where I am and who I'm with, when I'll be home, and what I'm doing. If I'm making a life change, I need to run the pieces by them. Is this not normal? Are you not considerate with the people you live with? I've gotten this IRL too sometimes and it's just not something I understand. I'm giving my parents respect because I live with them.
While its good to be courteous to them if you are living at home you are still an adult. Its very weird that you are behaving like a grounded high school student instead of an adult. Unless you are utterly dependent on them and you are not employable for some reason. Even then its still weird. Respect is one thing but this seems different. But I also moved out when I was 17 and never went back. I would move to a homeless shelter first.0 -
I've known plenty of people on your situation. Different cultures or just different upbringing. Don't sweat it.
Its really your call given the facts. I would push for it. Even if you don't weigh daily-you do want an accurate scale. Explain why it's important to you-and maybe give some of the feedback here and show them a site like "trend weight". And promise your mom you'll hide it since she gets obsessed.0 -
I think that saying it is disrespectful to buy yourself something for yourself without asking your parents is inaccurate. I lived with my parents after college, and while I respected my mom's general wish that I be considerate and tell them when I was going out and when I would be back, neither I nor my mother found it disrespectful for me to buy something for my room. I didnt ask them if I could buy a new shirt, a certain shampoo, etc. So I don't see buying yourself a scale for your room as an issue. But you know your family dynamic better than any stranger on the forums would.0
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DeguelloTex wrote: »How often you weigh is personal preference.
How do you know the scale at hlrhe gym is unreliable?
Ah, sorry! I've stood on it a couple of times, and the needle moves so much I can get within a 5lb radius of my weight (eg somewhere between 185 and 190) but it doesn't hover higher or lower within that range so I can't really tell to the pound.Dietician and parents say no scale in house
I'm thinking in treatment for ED
Am I right?
Nope. This is the first time I've ever tried to lose weight. My mom has yo-yo dieted and sees owning a scale as a problem. We had a tenant for a while who had one and she requested it be removed. The dietician, I have no idea. She says it's something she recommends for everyone because of daily fluctuations.nordlead2005 wrote: »wait, you are 21. Why can't you just get a job and buy a scale for yourself and keep it in your room? I can understand if your parents don't want to buy a scale for the family, as that is asking them to spend their money.
Also, many locations have scales. My local grocery store has a scale built into the blood pressure station. If I didn't have a scale at home and didn't want to buy one I'd go over there once per week in the morning and weigh myself. You can also find these devices at pharmacies. Is there nothing like that near where you live?
As for daily vs weekly. That is personal preference. Most people who advocate weekly (or longer) do so because a lot of people who weigh daily get discouraged and quit all because of water weight fluctuations. I personally like to weigh daily.
I don't have a job at the moment, but I can easily buy a scale with my savings. I'd prefer not to hide it, because I think that's just unpleasant for everyone involved and a little childish. My parents wouldn't be buying it if I did get one, it's more about it existing in the house.
There are a number of pharmacies near me and none have scales, and only one has a blood pressure reader and none have scales. I have heard before about people having them in malls, but I've never seen them. Is that an American thing?azulvioleta6 wrote: »
Uh, no...you are still an adult and can/should do your own thing. You are responsible for your own weight.
Get a scale, put it in your room and use it.
"Do not weigh daily" is a silly rule. Unless your weight fluctuates wildly or you are going to freak out about it, weighing every day is just fine. Why WOULDN'T you want more data?
Well that's why I'm asking. I am able to and can purchase a scale, I'm interested in whether it's worth defending and having a big discussion, and of course I would need facts and arguments to support that decision. I'm looking into making the decision to either press the issue and say "a scale is necessary because xyz" or leave it as is.
*sigh* I'm sorry, I find it odd that no one thinks a 21 year old living at home would need permission from parents to do things without some sort of conspiracy. The fact is I live in their house so I need to work with them rather than just doing whatever I want. When I go out, they need to know where I am and who I'm with, when I'll be home, and what I'm doing. If I'm making a life change, I need to run the pieces by them. Is this not normal? Are you not considerate with the people you live with? I've gotten this IRL too sometimes and it's just not something I understand. I'm giving my parents respect because I live with them.
I think it's odd that they need to know where you are at all times.
I'm 21 and live on my own. I call my parents about once a week to chat. I would feel completely suffocated if they needed me to constantly be in touch. Even when I was in high school, I didn't have to contact them all the time.
There is a line between respect for your parents and time to grow up. At 21, you should have control over your weight and health, not your parents. Something as benign as a scale does not warrant a family discussion, but that's my opinion. If you're truly reluctant to get one you could measure yourself and get a scale if you stop seeing improvements in your measurements. That would be a valid argument if the time came.0 -
Do you pay for the gym membership, or is it more of a community/ free thing? As a paying member, I'd be irritated if they didn't have a decent scale. Maybe you put in a suggestion for a new scale in the locker room.0
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DeguelloTex wrote: »How often you weigh is personal preference.
How do you know the scale at hlrhe gym is unreliable?
Ah, sorry! I've stood on it a couple of times, and the needle moves so much I can get within a 5lb radius of my weight (eg somewhere between 185 and 190) but it doesn't hover higher or lower within that range so I can't really tell to the pound.Dietician and parents say no scale in house
I'm thinking in treatment for ED
Am I right?
Nope. This is the first time I've ever tried to lose weight. My mom has yo-yo dieted and sees owning a scale as a problem. We had a tenant for a while who had one and she requested it be removed. The dietician, I have no idea. She says it's something she recommends for everyone because of daily fluctuations.nordlead2005 wrote: »wait, you are 21. Why can't you just get a job and buy a scale for yourself and keep it in your room? I can understand if your parents don't want to buy a scale for the family, as that is asking them to spend their money.
Also, many locations have scales. My local grocery store has a scale built into the blood pressure station. If I didn't have a scale at home and didn't want to buy one I'd go over there once per week in the morning and weigh myself. You can also find these devices at pharmacies. Is there nothing like that near where you live?
As for daily vs weekly. That is personal preference. Most people who advocate weekly (or longer) do so because a lot of people who weigh daily get discouraged and quit all because of water weight fluctuations. I personally like to weigh daily.
I don't have a job at the moment, but I can easily buy a scale with my savings. I'd prefer not to hide it, because I think that's just unpleasant for everyone involved and a little childish. My parents wouldn't be buying it if I did get one, it's more about it existing in the house.
There are a number of pharmacies near me and none have scales, and only one has a blood pressure reader and none have scales. I have heard before about people having them in malls, but I've never seen them. Is that an American thing?azulvioleta6 wrote: »
Uh, no...you are still an adult and can/should do your own thing. You are responsible for your own weight.
Get a scale, put it in your room and use it.
"Do not weigh daily" is a silly rule. Unless your weight fluctuates wildly or you are going to freak out about it, weighing every day is just fine. Why WOULDN'T you want more data?
*sigh* I'm sorry, I find it odd that no one thinks a 21 year old living at home would need permission from parents to do things without some sort of conspiracy. The fact is I live in their house so I need to work with them rather than just doing whatever I want. When I go out, they need to know where I am and who I'm with, when I'll be home, and what I'm doing. If I'm making a life change, I need to run the pieces by them. Is this not normal? Are you not considerate with the people you live with? I've gotten this IRL too sometimes and it's just not something I understand. I'm giving my parents respect because I live with them.
OP, since you brought it up:
The relationship you have with your family is your own business, of course. And if your mom has a history with this sort of thing this is more understandable.
But as the father of two teenagers this does sound a bit unusual and restrictive to me. I can see discussing major changes in life with them, and being considerate is commendable, but asking for *permission* strikes me as odd. It's not like you're hosting a keg party. Maybe this is just cultural.
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ColinsMommaOC wrote: »First - is there a reason you cannot get a scale for yourself and they can use it or not if they wish?
Second - I weigh daily because in the past, when I would only weigh once a week or every other week, I would get frustrated when I didn't see the change I expected. By weighing daily, it is a daily reminder that my weight can go up or down any given day, but so long as the trend is down I'm good. It also helps keep me accountable for cheating. If I go up significantly after "cheating" then I see an immediate cause-effect. This is just how my mind works though... Not necessarily the best for everyone.
Thank you for sharing. I see the logic there. I get frustrated being unable to see if my "good days" or my "off days" have made an impact. It might be useful with that.Personally, I do it daily. Same time each morning to get as consistent a reading as possible. I keep a log and review the trendline periodically.
The downside with weighing daily is that you do see days that you go up, with no direct discernible reason. These can be discouraging for some people. If that's you, weighing once a week is ok. I wouldn't go further out than that because it just means you end up waiting longer to spot a problem and make adjustments.
If you're trying to lose weight, a scale is the tool you need to determine that what you are doing works or not.
There are other measurements you can use, like body tape or calipers to estimate your body fat percentage. I'd use them in addition to a scale to help give you a little more insight into how you're doing.
Yes, I agree weekly would be a nice medium. I don't know whether or not I'd be worried about daily fluctuations. It would be nice to have more data points, but I'm unsure if it would disturb me if I went up, say 1lb for no reason. I'd have to see.
It does seem to be an important tool, I do have a measuring tape to use but no callipers. I think that might be more useful when I'm lighter, to see the muscle vs fat differentiation? at least that's what I understand.daniwilford wrote: »I weigh myself nearly everyday under as identical conditions as possible. I do weigh on the same scale in, the same room, in the morning prior to breakfast, after bathroom, in the buff. I like data and I don't get all worried if I go up a little for a day or even a few days. I track it in a spreadsheet with a trend line. The trend is what I concentrate on, as long as it is downward I do not freak. I record the lowest weight of the week on MFP to adjust my calorie goal and every loss in fitbit so it adjusts my calorie burn. I like to be able to see patterns in my weight fluctuations. The people on the national weight loss registry, those who have lost over 35 pounds and kept it off for more than a year, report weighing no less than once a week. I have seen people get a little crazy who weigh more than once a day, so I wouldn't recommend any more often.
Thanks! That's good to know, I'm liking this once a week idea.DeguelloTex wrote: »Also, your avatar makes me think of a bolt of mageweave cloth every time I see it.
Ahhh, nope just a yoga mat. I know I've asked a lot of questions lately
This is all really new to me, so thanks for putting up with it lol.Generally, dietitians use this blanket recommendation to discourage people from obsessing. Many people do not understand daily fluctuations and will be disappointed if they don't lose (or gain) every day. It's part of the idea that the number isn't everything.
At the same time, fluctuations can more easily hide a loss if you only weigh once a week. Personally, I have an official weigh-in day 1x/week but I weigh every day. I've come to learn my body's fluctuations and can recognize as my high numbers start to decrease. So while I may lot have had an official loss in a week or two-I can see my high fluctuations going down. This is usually followed by a "whoosh". I think it's cool to watch.
You can get a good scale for $20-30. If the rest of your family doesn't want to weigh-can't you just keep it in your bedroom? Do you have a history of disordered eating that would account for them not wanting you to have a scale? (And perhaps the dietitians recommendation?) if you answer no-get yourself a scale.
Yeah, that makes sense. She uses those plastic models of food a lot, I'm guessing she has a lot of people who are not understanding things frequently.
That's my concern with weighing only monthly. Say, one time I'm on my period and it goes up - I think "well, hey that's why" but actually I've been unintentionally underreporting some food, and only find out a month later...
That's definitely my budget. We have carpeting everywhere, but I can definitely keep it in my room and only bring it out to weigh in the bathroom where there's tile. No disordered eating, but perhaps I am very large and they are worried about it becoming obsessive because this is a big change for me. I don't usually obsess though. I mean, my biggest "obsession" was Sherlock BBC for like a year, and then I stopped liking it after that.You're going to lose the same amount whether you weigh yourself or not. It's not a necessity and if there isn't room or money for a scale, skip it and weigh once a month. No big whup.
I weigh daily because I like to do that. But sometimes I think it's a little wacky to weigh every single day. If someone stole the scale and I had to weigh monthly, I could live with it.
Yeah, I think if it's a big hassle I just won't get it. I just read on here so much that weighing daily or weekly is important, I thought it might be important to just know how I'm doing. Maybe it's notSandcastles61 wrote: »I would guess your dietician doesn't want you to get caught up and worried about tracking scale weight progress right off the bat. It is far less overwhelming to first just get calorie tracking, weighing your food and accurately logging down.
While I was losing, I was a weekly weigher, every Monday 1st thing to keep myself accountable over the weekends. When I was down to the last 8 pounds the weight slowed to about a half pound every 2-3 weeks so I backed off weighing to only every other week so I wouldn't get discouraged and give up. Now that I am in maintenance you can bet that I weigh and track my weight daily because I don't want to ever let my guard down again.
I know both my doctor and my son's doctor welcome us going into the nurse's station anytime to do a weight check. No charge and no appointment necessary. Perhaps a once a week trip to the nurse treatment station at your doctor's office would work for you.
Best wishes on getting started with your weight loss. Just remember, even though sometimes you might get a little frustrated or discouraged, keep with it, trust the process, work closely with your dietician and never give up
True, it really is the beginning. I haven't been here long, and I'm working on learning how to make balanced meals, start cooking, exercise, and physio for my knee. That sounds reasonable.
Hm, maybe! That's an idea Thanks! That's the plan!EmmaFitzwilliam wrote: »*shrugs*. I tend to discount absolute didactic advice.
I love my scale.
I weigh myself daily. I am reconciled to the reality that hydration, stress, sodium intake, amount of sleep, and biochemical factors (including menses) will affect the number on any given day.
Weighing daily can give you data to work with, including (if relevant) information about how your weight correlates to your cycle.
Your mileage may vary. If you are going to be upset by daily fluctuations, daily weighing may not be for you. As for whether to get one, your family dynamics are better known to you and your business.
My opinion is that you are a young adult; if you want to purchase a scale for your use, it is your responsibility to accumulate the funds and your privilege to spend those funds as you choose.
That may not work for you, for whatever reasons you have.
I recommend having a scale, and using it daily.
Thanks! I like the idea of data, but perhaps, as others are saying, it is too early to get one, and I should focus on other data like calories, protein grams, vegetable portions, and exercise minutes. I don't want to step on any toes at home about it, because it's not worth it to me to upset anyone. I do have a nice one bookmarked on amazon, if that changes.
Thanks for all your help guys! 0 -
DeguelloTex wrote: »How often you weigh is personal preference.
How do you know the scale at hlrhe gym is unreliable?
Ah, sorry! I've stood on it a couple of times, and the needle moves so much I can get within a 5lb radius of my weight (eg somewhere between 185 and 190) but it doesn't hover higher or lower within that range so I can't really tell to the pound.Dietician and parents say no scale in house
I'm thinking in treatment for ED
Am I right?
Nope. This is the first time I've ever tried to lose weight. My mom has yo-yo dieted and sees owning a scale as a problem. We had a tenant for a while who had one and she requested it be removed. The dietician, I have no idea. She says it's something she recommends for everyone because of daily fluctuations.nordlead2005 wrote: »wait, you are 21. Why can't you just get a job and buy a scale for yourself and keep it in your room? I can understand if your parents don't want to buy a scale for the family, as that is asking them to spend their money.
Also, many locations have scales. My local grocery store has a scale built into the blood pressure station. If I didn't have a scale at home and didn't want to buy one I'd go over there once per week in the morning and weigh myself. You can also find these devices at pharmacies. Is there nothing like that near where you live?
As for daily vs weekly. That is personal preference. Most people who advocate weekly (or longer) do so because a lot of people who weigh daily get discouraged and quit all because of water weight fluctuations. I personally like to weigh daily.
I don't have a job at the moment, but I can easily buy a scale with my savings. I'd prefer not to hide it, because I think that's just unpleasant for everyone involved and a little childish. My parents wouldn't be buying it if I did get one, it's more about it existing in the house.
There are a number of pharmacies near me and none have scales, and only one has a blood pressure reader and none have scales. I have heard before about people having them in malls, but I've never seen them. Is that an American thing?azulvioleta6 wrote: »
Uh, no...you are still an adult and can/should do your own thing. You are responsible for your own weight.
Get a scale, put it in your room and use it.
"Do not weigh daily" is a silly rule. Unless your weight fluctuates wildly or you are going to freak out about it, weighing every day is just fine. Why WOULDN'T you want more data?
*sigh* I'm sorry, I find it odd that no one thinks a 21 year old living at home would need permission from parents to do things without some sort of conspiracy. The fact is I live in their house so I need to work with them rather than just doing whatever I want. When I go out, they need to know where I am and who I'm with, when I'll be home, and what I'm doing. If I'm making a life change, I need to run the pieces by them. Is this not normal? Are you not considerate with the people you live with? I've gotten this IRL too sometimes and it's just not something I understand. I'm giving my parents respect because I live with them.
OP, since you brought it up:
The relationship you have with your family is your own business, of course. And if your mom has a history with this sort of thing this is more understandable.
But as the father of two teenagers this does sound a bit unusual and restrictive to me. I can see discussing major changes in life with them, and being considerate is commendable, but asking for *permission* strikes me as odd. It's not like you're hosting a keg party. Maybe this is just cultural.
I would agree maybe it is cultural. Because even as a teen when I lived with my parents, once I had a job (16) I spent a portion of my money however I wished, within reason (ie, I didn't buy alcohol or drugs) but you aren't allowed to weigh yourself seems like a VERY controlling (possibly abusive) rule. Obviously, we wouldn't know your family or your dynamic, but it just seems that way.0 -
slinke2014 wrote: »
I don't work because I'm in school and my resume and availability are terrible. I'm working on keeping a 4.0 gpa (90% average) which takes a lot of time for me. I do not have an eating disorder, unless you count obesity as an eating disorder which could be fair.
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