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How often should I weigh?

famlyluv
famlyluv Posts: 206 Member
edited October 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I have a scale in my bathroom like a lot of people but I find myself on it everyday, a few times a day. I don't want to get unhealthy about losing this weight but I can't help but to see where I am at throughout the day. When it goes up after a meal, i feel like I have failed myself. I started MFP on Monday and have only lost a little over 1lb. I feel like it should be at least two or three. I really want to be healthy about this and not fall into an obsession or something that could hurt me.

Replies

  • speednut
    speednut Posts: 82
    You should weigh yourself once a week, preferable on the same day, in morning after you get up. This will help you not drive yourself crazy about it. Remember...small success will help lead to a large victory. Good luck!
  • mroger801
    mroger801 Posts: 91
    I weigh myself twice a week under the same conditions (time of day, clothing, etc.). Your weight can fluctuate greatly because of water weight, how full your stomach/bowels are, and sometimes what seems like just how the wind is blowing. If your scale is too convenient, maybe you should move it to a place where it is not so tempting.
  • Angelabec
    Angelabec Posts: 505 Member
    This is really one of those things you have to figure out for yourself. A hundred people could tell you to only weigh once a week, or once a fortnight, or every other day, or whatever, but the fact is, the scale is there, and you are going to use it. I personally weigh twice a day, once in the morning & once before bed. I used to do it more often, but as I got used to the the patterns that I was seeing, it has become less important. I know it seems disheartening when you see a gain, but you will get used to your daily patterns, and when you start to notice other changes in your body and general well being, hopefully the number on the scale will become less important.

    Good luck to you, starting out is always the hardest part, it will get easier :flowerforyou:
  • prettyash76
    prettyash76 Posts: 117
    I say once a week on same morning before you eat anything. I dont like weighing everyday. However i may step on the scale mid week to make sure im on the right track or if i need to make diet adjustments
  • famlyluv
    famlyluv Posts: 206 Member
    Thanks Everyone for your advice! I may just move my scale to the laundry room. God knows I hate going in there!!! Thank You!!!:tongue:
  • shivaslives
    shivaslives Posts: 279 Member
    I'm with speednut on this one; once a week for official weigh in a to determine progress. I know from personal experience that it's hard not be obsessive about the scale when your on this journey but you can't let it affect your resolve. Your weight may fluctuate anywhere from 1 to 5 pounds a day depending on your size, fitness, gender, menstruation, etc. If you keep doing the right things, you will see the results in more than just the reading on the scale.
  • ajbeans
    ajbeans Posts: 2,857 Member
    Don't weigh multiple times through the day. You gain through the day just because there's food in your stomach and urine in your bladder. Weigh first thing in the morning, after you've gone to the bathroom, and then put the scale in the closet. Preferably on the top shelf. It's ok to weigh once a day, but not more than that. If you feel yourself getting obsessive, commit to only weighing once a week, and if you do sneak a peek on a different day other than your weigh-in, it doesn't count.
  • Bankman1989
    Bankman1989 Posts: 1,116 Member
    I haven't weighed myself consistently in over 4 years. I used to weigh myself daily and it sickened me. I then focused on getting into shape and focusing on what I want my body to look like. If you really hasve to weigh do it once a week but the results aren't in the amount you weigh it's in your waist being smaller and you fitting into your jeans etc.
  • ibbray04
    ibbray04 Posts: 227 Member
    I'm one of those people who weighs themselves every day, first thing in the morning.. BUT, I don't get discouraged if there is a pound that I gained in a day, as I realize that there are many factors that contribute. I record a loss if it sticks to the scale for 2-3 days in a row (for example, this morning I was a pound less, but didn't record it; I'll wait at least another day and if it reads the same, then I'll record it).
  • tracym17
    tracym17 Posts: 68 Member
    I used to do the same as you and eventually got rid of my bathroom scale to prevent this. I only weigh myself on the wii now, and as this requires more time and effort, I am not tempted to do it several times a day. Your weight will fluctuate throughout the day and it is disheartening to find that you have not lossed or even gained a little. I now weigh myself twice a week and often find midweek that I have gained a little, but lose this again and a little more by the week end. As others have said it's best to weigh yourself only once a week, and you should try to do it the same day each week and at around the same time.
  • famlyluv
    famlyluv Posts: 206 Member
    Thanks! I think once a week is doable! and maybe i will get rid of my scale and just use the wii, i like seeing my mii get a little smaller as time goes on!:happy:
This discussion has been closed.

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