Issues with my scale

I think my scale is freaking out a bit. I weighed myself and it said 140.2 and then I weighed myself again and it said 139.8. Then it went back to 140.2 then 139.8 then 140.6 and back to 140.2. I don't know what I should do. I weigh myself about an hour later than usually. I don't know if I should just wait to weigh myself or if I should go with the lowest weight or higher. I would hate to think I gained weight back. It is making me feel a little sad about the whole situation.

Replies

pauloserra

Hello,

I believe all electronic scales act like that, it depends on your body position.
Try to align both your feet to the center of the scale, and have your back in a straight position.

For example, if I try to look down on the scale, the weight is not constant, if I am looking forward, it always get the same reading !
(My scale flashes the number when it stabilizes the reading).

Regarding the time of day, I believe when waking up is preferred, otherwise what you just ate or drank will take a part in it.

Anyway, as a rule of thumb if this does not get it sorted out, weight yourself 3 times and use the average

But by any means, do not feel sad about it, the scale is just an inanimate object, and they are usually lying.

You can always use a tape and measure yourself, many times you lose volume and not weight due to muscle mass increase.

Hope it helps,
Cheers,
Paulo.

steelyjoe22

I wouldn't worry too much . . . all of the readings are within 1 lb, which is less than 1% tolerance. That's fairly good compared to a lot of measuring systems in Industry. Your actual body weight day to day is subject to change more than 1 lb due to hydration, sodium, etc . . . so a "perfect" reading is hard to get both because of our bodies and the scale. You could get a fancier more expensive scale, which will likely have more repeatable measurements.

Or the cheap solution is do 3 readings and average them as Paulo says. Personally, I just take the first reading my scale gives me once a week and go with it. I trust that with proper diet and exercise, I'll get to my ideal body mass. The weight is just a way to show some progress and reassure myself that it's worth it.

EjaneK11

Thank you! It does help. I just figured since I know I lost about an 1 1/2 in total that I would of seen an improvement in my weight... But I am usually not standing up straight when I weigh myself so I think I will try again tomorrow and make sure I stand up straight and see it that helps! Thanks!

EjaneK11

I wouldn't worry too much . . . all of the readings are within 1 lb, which is less than 1% tolerance. That's fairly good compared to a lot of measuring systems in Industry. Your actual body weight day to day is subject to change more than 1 lb due to hydration, sodium, etc . . . so a "perfect" reading is hard to get both because of our bodies and the scale. You could get a fancier more expensive scale, which will likely have more repeatable measurements.

Or the cheap solution is do 3 readings and average them as Paulo says. Personally, I just take the first reading my scale gives me once a week and go with it. I trust that with proper diet and exercise, I'll get to my ideal body mass. The weight is just a way to show some progress and reassure myself that it's worth it.

Thank you!

EjaneK11

I figured the averages for the 140.2, 139.8, and the 140.2 and it came up with the weight that I had last week. So I guess that is better than gaining right??

imchicbad

Why in the world would you weigh yourself constantly. The body fluctuates way too much through out the day and week pick one day a week or month to weigh in in the morning. There's no need to weigh in every day.

alanlmarshall

This just goes to show how inaccurate scales are. The best solution imo is to use measurements instead.

imchicbad

This just goes to show how inaccurate scales are. The best solution imo is to use measurements instead.

Yes measurements absolutely the way, the truth and the light. amen.

EatClean_WashUrNuts

Let's see....you did this in what time frame? Things can change from the time you weigh, pee, re-weigh, drink coffee, re-weigh, poop, and reweigh again.

Being blunt here......GET OFF THE MENTAL NUMBER. How much you weigh is not everything. Weigh yourself once a week under the EXACT same environment - Time of day, clothing on/off, before/after using the pot. Touch your electronic scale ONCE, as in the directions, so that it can calibrate. Then Get on it and weigh. Record weight, IGNORE SCALE FOR A WEEK.

On the path to a healthier lifestyle. Stop focusing on the number. Focus on your Body Fat %. By doing so, you will not worry about weight as much, you will inevitably eat healthier and have better focus on exercise

EjaneK11

Why in the world would you weigh yourself constantly. The body fluctuates way too much through out the day and week pick one day a week or month to weigh in in the morning. There's no need to weigh in every day.

It wasn't everyday. I weigh myself all this morning. The first weight I got didn't seem right, so I tried it again and it kept changing.