Scales accuracy

RoseB8
RoseB8 Posts: 10 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
So last week I was weighed at the Dr's and was happy to find that I had lost 2lbs. When i weighed myself at home the next day (i do this at the same time every day) my weight had not changed from what it was previously.
I use dial scales which i have had for about a year - how accurate are the dr's scales? And would i be better off getting some digital ones for home? I live in the uk so if anyone has any particular recommendations that would be great!
I know it's not the most important thing but it's disheartening to not know my true weight when i'm on my last 10lbs. Thanks!

Replies

  • savvyfantastic
    savvyfantastic Posts: 112 Member
    Scales can be different depending on what they are, whether they've been calibrated, what surface they are on. So many things can affect your result as well, eg going to the toilet!

    Don't stress too much about the difference between two sets of scales and I'd say instead focus on a consistent source of information (eg yours, or your doctor's) and look at the trends. I have scales at home, my coach has a set, they say different numbers but if I put the trends side by side I just see a consistent progression over time.
  • 999tigger
    999tigger Posts: 5,235 Member
    They are calibrated differently. I wouldnt worry as you cna fluctuate by 4lbs in a day anyway. Just use one set of scales as reference or at least dont compare and certianly dont get worried. No need if you have just 10lbs to go.
  • pap3rw1ngs
    pap3rw1ngs Posts: 58 Member
    If you do decide to get a digital scale, I recommend the Salter glass analyser scale. £10 in Asda and I find it to be very consistent, plus it measures body fat.
  • mbender719
    mbender719 Posts: 17 Member
    edited February 2015
    My "weight loss journey" started when a new doctor told me I weighed in at 168. Less than a week later, I went to my normal doctor who said my weight was 163, same as it had been 6months earlier. I have a scale at home, and it differs from the doctor's scale.... and I've been doing bi-weekly weigh ins at work for a wellness program and it's different, too. I've learned two things from this:
    1. Don't let it drive you crazy
    2. Try to compare your weights over time as they are on ONE scale.
    For example, I only log the weights I get at my bi-weekly check ins. That is the scale that I have chosen to stick with. I can hop on my scale at home in between bi-weekly weigh-ins if need be, but honestly I've never been much of a scale-watcher :) (too much emotional up and down with every fluctuations) I prefer to see change over time. I'm patient.

    tldr; pick one scale and stick with it
  • skippygirlsmom
    skippygirlsmom Posts: 4,433 Member
    When I go to the doctor and never look at the scale and the nurse knows not to tell me. I like to go by my scale alone, that is the scale I started with and that reflects how much I have lost regardless of my actual weight.

    I had a doctor's appt last week and I weighed myself in the morning on Friday like always. The nurse didn't say a word about my weight, but when the doctor came in we talked and she said the number on the scale. I had to laugh because it was 2 lbs lighter than mine. That was after lunch, completely dressed. I'm liking her scale now :smile:

    Don't make yourself crazy about what the doctor's scale says.
  • MyM0wM0w
    MyM0wM0w Posts: 2,008 Member
    edited February 2015
    I work in a Metrology lab and each time I visit the dr and he weighs me I remind him that my scale is more accurate than his (I take it into the lab every six months along with my kitchen scale to test it) and ask that he record MY number, not his. I weigh just before I leave the house. My scale has to be adjusted about every 18 months. That's when the drift starts to get really bad.

    My dr's scale has never been calibrated since I've been using that practice and that's 5 years. That many people stepping on and off of it each day, plus them moving it around the office on occasion are going to cause some serious changes.

    Also keep in mind the time you weigh yourself. Likely at home you weigh yourself close to naked and probably first thing in the AM after you go to the bathroom. THe Drs office weighs you most likely after you've eaten and you're wearing clothes ... plus you probably even still have your shoes on.

    Agree with the above, if the scale you use most often shows a change... believe it.
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