Unreliable scales

beskimoosh
beskimoosh Posts: 375 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I'd imagine a lot of people have this problem, so I'm sure someone has an answer!

I can't keep my scales in the same place, but always try to use them in the same spot, however my weight can vary by a few lb each time I use them, literally if I step off them back on again.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to solve this, and if I just need new scales, has anyone got any recommendations? I'm in the UK btw, so obviously scales I can get over here.

Replies

  • trudijoy
    trudijoy Posts: 1,685 Member
    mine are the same. the digital ones seem to be better..... i think it's my floor because my friend has the same scales and hers measure me exactly the same no matter how many times i step on - and lower than these ones!
  • UpandRunning2013
    UpandRunning2013 Posts: 69 Member
    I have the same problem and also have put it down to unlevel floor but seem to have found a spot that is kind of reliable. I don't have a solution but hope someone can shed some light on this. I have just given up weighing and am looking at NVS (noticeable visable signs) like if my clothes fit better etc instead because I find it disheartening to have such discrepancy on the scale. Thanks for posting though...it is good to know someone else is concerned about this.
  • deladypilot
    deladypilot Posts: 618 Member
    Scales are funny things. They are best used on a flat surface (not carpet) and it is better if you do not move them. Each time they are moved you take a chance on messing up the calibration. If you do not have a choice but to move it, then find a weight to check the scale before you get on. A 5lb hand weight will work fine.

    That being said, our bodies flucuate daily anyway, so you may be down one day and up a bit the next. Its just the way the body works. Some days we are retaining fluid or we ate a heavier meal the night before and our body has not digested it etc. This is why most programs suggest you only weigh once a week.
  • fresh_start59
    fresh_start59 Posts: 590 Member
    I had the exact same problem with a digital scale that I bought at Target about 10 years ago. It would even change weight depending on whether I leaned forward or backward.

    For Christmas, I bought myself a gift ... a new scale. It got it from Amazon, here in the U.S. It is an EatSmart brand scale and it has great reviews.
    http://www.amazon.com/Eatsmart-Precision-Bathroom-Technology-440-Pounds/dp/B0032TNPOE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1359365210&sr=8-3&keywords=eatsmart

    I'm hoping it is accurate. I'll find out when I go to the doctor's office on Wednesday. I do know that it is consistent. I step of and on and off and on and it gives me the same weight every time. At least I'll know if my weight is going up or down.

    A friend got a different Eatsmart model. Hers came with a BMI calculator, body fat percentage gizmo and more. She said the BMI thing didn't work right but that the weight was accurate according to her doctor's scale.
  • trudijoy
    trudijoy Posts: 1,685 Member
    while we're on fluctuations, i take it it's normal to register higher weight around your period?
  • bathsheba_c
    bathsheba_c Posts: 1,873 Member
    while we're on fluctuations, i take it it's normal to register higher weight around your period?
    Absolutely
  • trudijoy
    trudijoy Posts: 1,685 Member
    while we're on fluctuations, i take it it's normal to register higher weight around your period?
    Absolutely

    good. didn't think i'd miraculously put back on weight overnight lol
  • deladypilot
    deladypilot Posts: 618 Member
    while we're on fluctuations, i take it it's normal to register higher weight around your period?

    Yes, you body retains fuild at that time and that adds weight. Some women have problems with this, others do not.
  • beskimoosh
    beskimoosh Posts: 375 Member
    Scales are funny things. They are best used on a flat surface (not carpet) and it is better if you do not move them. Each time they are moved you take a chance on messing up the calibration. If you do not have a choice but to move it, then find a weight to check the scale before you get on. A 5lb hand weight will work fine.

    That is a fab idea! I will get something with a set weight and move the scales til I get it :)
  • BigG1978
    BigG1978 Posts: 54 Member
    I've encountered similair problems, however the Salter Electronic model I got around 18 montsh ago (from Argos I think) have been great and I can step on/step off without it changing. I also got a model that measured my body fat, water, muscle etc as I find that sometimes although I have not lost any lbs I have lost some body fat % which can be encouraging if the weight loss is not there - added bonus when it's both!!

    Hope this helps, and please feel free to add as a friend if you so wish. :smile:
  • pamays
    pamays Posts: 20
    Same problem here also :wink:
  • CassieReannan
    CassieReannan Posts: 1,479 Member
    I have the same problem, I have two scales as my other one broke but mysteriously started working again. If I get an odd number I use both and pick in between. It's always off by a few hundred grams so I don't sweat it. My newer scales seem more accurate though and I picked them up for $30, theyre digital.
  • watcheronthewall
    watcheronthewall Posts: 104
    Mine do this it's just the floor level. I keep mine in exactly the same spot measured by the line of my bathroom tiles going through the middle of the logo lol.
  • BelasicTK
    BelasicTK Posts: 3
    I had to junk my scale because I became obsessed with it. Every time I walked by it, I could hear it calling my name lol. I quit weighing at home & only weigh at my Dr. appts. Since then, their scales have me at a 44lbs weight loss since Jan 2012. Now I just use my clothes (how well they fit) to tell if I am up or down.

Categories