Digital Scale variations - WHY?

fougamou
fougamou Posts: 200 Member
edited January 8 in Health and Weight Loss
Apparently I raided the fridge last night without knowing it because I gained a pound overnight. Then I had a REALLY good workout while showering and lost that pound.....


Yes, I know if the greater scheme of things it does not matter. And I am used to stepping on the scale several times to try to get the scale to give me the same weight several times (I record the number that comes up most frequently).

What I don't understand is WHY the scales vary so much. I do my best to weight myself in the same position, placing the scale in the same place every time.

Anyone have an explanation on why digital scales can vary so much?

Replies

  • awidener86
    awidener86 Posts: 247 Member
    I don't know why they vary so much. But I keep mine in the same exact place and don't move it. It's usually pretty good.
  • bumblebums
    bumblebums Posts: 2,181 Member
    The variation comes both from the scale being somewhat unreliable and from your body weight fluctuating. Household scales are sensitive to temperature (the spring expands or contracts with it). Your body weight varies quite a bit from day to day based on the amount of water you retain. Try weighing yourself at different points in the day and record the result--you'll see it.

    The best kind of scale is a medical scale. The kind they have at gyms and your doctor's office, with the ruler and weights.
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