weight fluctuations - can't make sense of them

cherys wrote: »

I started a weight loss programme only last week, so I know there's no chance of a trend yet. But I thought my scales were broken as my weight fluctuated by about 10lbs (mainly apparently gaining during the week, when I was definitely eating far far less than normal. So I bought new scales and weighed myself. Since yesterday afternoon when I got them home, I appear to have gained 6lbs! I just don't really understand this, or how its possible to gauge weight loss when day by day we can add or lose so many pounds. Can anyone help me understand this?

Thanks

You need to way yourself at a consistent time of day and under the same or very similar conditions...this is typically first thing in the morning after you've used the restroom and before you have consumed food, and without clothes on, etc. If you're weighing yourself during the day you are weighing everything you've consumed and the inherent waste that comes along with it. Also, if you're weighing yourself in clothes, you are weighing your clothes. None of that has anything to do with your actual body weight or fat.

You also fluctuate naturally due to holding and releasing water and variations in inherent waste in your system...but if you weigh yourself as I noted above, you will get more consistent numbers than weighing throughout the day and in the afternoon and whatnot where you will be weighing everything you've consumed. The weight of your food doesn't just disapear because you ate it...its in your body

lynn_glenmont wrote: »

Do you keep your scales on a hard surface? Are you moving them between weighing? Are you making sure to check that they're set to zero before you weigh yourself?

This ^^^. Pick a place for your scale on a hard, even surface and don't move it. When you have the spot, weigh yourself several times in succession until you get 2 in a row that are the exact same thing (which calibrates the scale). Once you have done this, you shouldn't have to do it again unless you move it.

Unfortunately I have to re-calibrate mine several times a week because I have a 6 month old kitten who likes to push it across the floor. Hope he outgrows that.

cherys wrote: »

Thank you all. I have been moving them a lot - putting them away then getting them out to weigh. I'll just leave them in one place from now on.

Once you have your scale in its home, weigh yourself a couple of days in a row at the same time (most do it first thing in the morning after the toilet and before the coffee). You should start to see some sort of consistency but keep in mind that in the first few weeks fluctuations are common, just not as extreme as you mentioned in your first post.

scarlett_k wrote: »

I'm not sure about the calibration comment. Perhaps it depends on your scales? I prop mine against the wall when not in use but weigh in roughly the same spot on a hard level floor and it makes no difference at all.

Many scales get thrown off when moved but it is not universal. You obviously have one that doesn't do it. Mine does and the OP's might. If the scale is being wonky, the two most likely causes are that the batteries need changing or it doesn't like being moved.

I find not only do i have to put the scales in EXACTLY the same place (lined up with the tiles!), but also i have to make sure i stand on exactly the spot on the scales too! Also the obvious stuff of weighing yourself same time of day, same clothes etc (I find it easiest to do it first thing, post ablutions, with just underwear on.