Major Weight Fluctuations
grace20072010
Posts: 55
Does your weight fluctuate a lot? I literally will gain 7lbs overnight. The scale is all over the place. It is frustrating because I don't have a good sense of what my actual weight is. I also don't know why I would be retaining so much water. My sodium is not that high and I drink a lot of water throughout the day. I weighed myself this morning and got three different numbers - the lowest was 7lbs lower than the highest! I don't get it! Because of these fluctuations I initially see i have lost a number of pounds, only to have it jump up the next day or sometimes the next minute! Anyone have any ideas?
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Replies
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Yes, weight on a daily basis can fluctuate several pounds due to a number of factors. Sodium isn't the only thing that can effect water weight. I have no experience with this side of things, however I do know that once a month or so, women tend to retain a bit more water than normal. It's very normal to have weight fluctuations on a daily basis. It is generally only suggested to weight yourself on a weekly basis.
For example, I always weight myself after getting out of the shower on Friday mornings. It's always at the same time of day. If I didn't my measurements would be off.
As far as weighing yourself three times this morning, you weighed yourself one right after the other? If that's the case, and you got three wildly varying numbers, then maybe your scale needs replaced or calibrated. If you weight yourself over the period of a few hours, then yes, the weight could very well fluctuate.
Again, I suggest going to weighing yourself once a week at the same day/time each week.0 -
My weight can go up 4-5 lbs overnight. It can be frustrating but as long as the overall trend is downward, I try not to worry about it.0
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It is pretty common for the home scale to pop out several different numbers one after the other, even if you own a very good quality scale. That being said, some home scales are worse than others. To make your scale as accurate as possible, you should always use it on a flat, hard surface (never on a rug). Then, take three weights in a row and average them.
My dad has an expensive Tanita scale; he got a Rx from his MD for it to track his weight because of a medical issue and insurance covered it. Maybe your insurance would do the same? Never hurts to ask.
There are some good bluetooth scales on Amazon that measure all kinds of different things and record them to your MFP wirelessly. I think they can approximately measure BMI, water weight, etc. They look really cool. The MFP Apps tab lists the scales that are compatible with MFP. Brands include FitBit, Withings.
Check out this link: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_15?url=search-alias=hpc&field-keywords=bluetooth+scale&sprefix=bluetooth+scale,aps,296.
Good luck!!0 -
If your scale is electronic, it may also be a sign you need to replace the battery.0
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It probably is a bad battery, but like all electronics they burn out eventually. Also when purchasing a scale look at what amount the scale can be off by, most are +/- 1lbs, but some of the cheaper can range up to a few pounds. This goes for food scales too, but it is usually a portion of an ounce.0
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It is normal for my weight to fluctuate by several lbs throughout the day. I don't even step on the scale at night because I never like what it says. But it is consistent if I weigh myself at the same time each day. If you are weighing yourself three times in a row and getting very different numbers, you need to fix your scale or get a new one. Make sure it is on a hard, level surface and don't move it around very much. Replace the batteries. If that doesn't work, get a new scale.0
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Youj don't say how often you weigh, but maybe you should cut back a bit? My doctor's office said to weight myself no more than once a week because we flucuate from day to day and if we weigh daily we will drive ourselve crazy. Yes, when I'm plataued I tend to weigh myself a lot more than weekly, but if you are getting those kinds of flucuations, check your scale and if the scale is fine try weighing yourself just once a week for awhile, same time, same day. My weigh day is Saturday morning, first thing after I pee, in my jammies and barefoot.0
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If you have a digital home scale they are notoriously finicky! Mine will weigh differently from one minute to the next. It has to be in EXACTLY the same position each time you weigh, has to be on a flat, level surface, and you've got to be standing exactly the same (leaning forward or back will change the measurement). I actually use my analog scale (dial) now. The only accurate scale is the Dr's (and even those fluctuate from Dr to Dr), and it tends to weigh about 4 lbs more than my home scale. BUT as long as you have a benchmark and are weighing yourself the same every day/week/etc you will see the trend in your weigh loss. To me that's the most important thing. Other than the scale issue, check your water intake. When it is hot, I need to drink more water or I will retain it.0
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well, I bought a new scale. It was $69.99 but I got it on sale on amazon for $25. My old one was from Wal-Mart. It just went into the trash. The new one stays accurate and doesn't jump all over the place so I am much happier now.0
