How can my weight fluctuate everyday??? Am ditching the scal
iwannablean
Posts: 28 Member
I have been on this site since 3 weeks or so. I have not been able to workout regularly due to some reasons. My starting weight on 16th of Jan when I joined the gym was 74kgs. Two days ago I checked my weight (twice!) on the weighing machine at my workplace and it showed 72 Kgs! Yesterday, after working out at the gym, I checked my weight on the weighing scale at the gym which showed my weight to be 71.9 Kgs (this was a digital scale). Today, before starting workout today, I again checked my weight, since I remembered that weighing after working out when the body is warm is not very accurate, and my weight today was 72.9 Kgs (one kg more than yesterday!) on the same damn digital weighing scale! I don't get all this! On top of that, I was just 60 Kgs last march, and I have put on 14 kgs in a span of one year! What with my problem of fibromyalgia (muscle pull in layman terms), and taking medication fro that which included muscle relaxants and nerve soothers as well! My gym trainer feels that most of the weight gain would be water retention and swellings in the muscles n not too much of fat. But that does not explain the fact that I don't fit into my medium sized clothes at all! Its XL all the way! Do you guys think that I should see a doc and figure out this water retention fat thing or just keep working out and wait to go back to my old size? Am ditching the scale anyway.. a useless kill joy that it is.. Tracking inch loss seems smarter to me now.. what say?
0
Replies
-
Stop using the scale to measure success!
Take measurements of your body, weekly, and use that to judge how you're doing. Also, use how your clothes fit and how you look in the mirror. I've only lost 5lbs, but I've lost 1.5" off my waist and my face is definitely thinner.
Body weight fluxates throughout the day for many reasons: water retention, what time of day you weighed, how much food you ate the night before, etc.0 -
Thank you!
I shall do that.. 0 -
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/weight-loss/weight-fluctuations-explained.html
Pretty much says what fuzz said.
Water, excess salt, big meal, etc.0 -
I agree with him 0
-
The scale is your enemy! Remember that. Also working out creates muscle and muscle weighs more than fat. Measure your waist, neck and hips. That will show that your effort is worthwhile. I wish I can take my own advice and ditch that scale.
0 -
There are huge numbers of reasons for fluctuations!!! Fluid loss, especially during exercise, what you've even the previous day/night before, whether or not you've been to the toliet - even a womans time of the month! So weigh your self same time of day, and no more than once a week....stop torturing yourself Take measurements also, sometimes this is a better indicator especially if your spending time at the gym! Good luck 0
-
I lost 2kgs from going to sleep to waking up this morning. Don't worry to much about weight fluctuations. Record the weight once a week first thing in the morning0
-
yeah i agree too. when i started. mine was going up down between like 3 lbs depending on what i ate, how much i worked out. i was shrinking but according to the scale i wasn't. i always lose alot of inches before the lbs. but when it does it literally melts off. my 6 lbs i've lost came from just this last week. but i hadn't changed nothing. just how my body works i guess. the scale is really only important if u actually have a weight goal i guess. if ur trying just to be thinner or to be in shape u can't really go by the scale. lol and from what i've heard EVERYBODY flucuates within five lbs all the time. so that being said, go by ur clothes and try to fit into ur old clothes. lol good luck. 0
-
You look great! I did want to bring forward a myth so many believe. Muscle does not 'weigh' more then fat, A pound is a pound is a pound. A pound of feathers weigh the same as a pound of water. What is truth, the heavier object (the muscle or water) are less dense taking up less room. So, a pound of muscle is smaller then a pound of fat. 0
-
Embrace the fluctuations. They're normal, and it's just how the human body works. It generally goes something like this: up, up, down, up up, down.0
-
Part of it might be the scales themselves...they might just be a little off. Also, I've heard that water weight changes and that's why you will gain or lose a few pounds each day. The other thing is that you should always weigh yourself in the morning before breakfast and before you shower. This will give you your actual weight without all the variances that the day will bring.0
-
Only ditch the scale if it is keeping you from feeling motivation (obviously, it is). But definitely talk with your doctor. He/she will be able to explain your medications and potential side-effects and might even be able to provide insightful information about good/bad exercises for your fibromyalgia. Your personal trainer will know some things about nutrition and physiology but he/she is not qualified to explain (no matter how well-intentioned or reasonable the explanation) your medications and health, apart from cardiovascular and strength exercise. A family member of mine has a health condition which was worsened with exercises recommended by a personal trainer, so just make sure you speak to the right person first.
Back to the scale - I try to weigh myself every day but often forget. It is a reminder for me to drink water or cut back on sugars/sodium. If I find I have gained 1kg overnight, I consider everything I had the day before. It is likely that I either (a) ate too many starches, sugars, or too much sodium, or (b) was so dehydrated that I retained water. Typically my weight returns to normal by evening or the next day.
Water weight will make you retain inches, by the way, so that might explain some of your trouble with sizes. Just to put things in perspective, I am 65 inches (1.65 meters) tall and currently weigh 55.3 kg. When a certain lady pays her visit during the month, she brings a hefty 2.2-3.2 kg with her. That makes a huge impact on my clothing sizes - the weight goes to my bum and thighs. Sometimes when I overdo it on the Friday night pizza and candy, I will find I have gained 1.5-2.5 kg the next day. I have lost 0.5 kg since yesterday simply by taking a 3.5 km run. So, it is not all a loss (pardon the expression) if you find your weight is up and down
0 -
The best time to weigh in is in the morning, nekkid! Weight is always going to fluctuate, and everyone else have given great reasons for the fluctuations!
If you find yourself obsessing over the scale (like I do!) I recommend just weighing in once a week. I try to eat dinner earlier the night before, have had enough water, not too much sodium.
You should try taking measurements! Be really thorough, do your neck, arms, chest, waist, hips, thighs, calves. It's amazing how the scale won't budge but the tape measure does.
Good luck! Don't get discouraged, I'm sure you're doing just fine!0 -
1. gotta poo
2. gotta pee
3. worked too hard at the gym and caused to much water retention...see #2
4. not enough fiber...see #1
5. TOM
6. See all of the above
weight fluctuates daily. Toss the scale and weigh in once per month0 -
This week my scale has told me that I've gained SEVEN pounds! How the hell is that even possible when eating under 1200 every single day! I thought I was being strong only weighing once a week (I get obsessed otherwise) but now I'm thinking of ditching the scales completely - it's just too depressing
0 -
If you're going to weigh yourself everyday, then understand why fluctuations happen and change your expectations. I track my weight daily, but do so specifically because I'm curious about how my body responds to exercise and food. To keep from getting discouraged, I track the lowest weight in a given week, and use that to measure my overall progress. Do something similar, but read up on human physiology before you give up just because your scale said one number vs. another.
Make a plan and stick to it. It works. Your physiology is no different than any one else's, and calorie restriction + exercise have worked for many many others. It works.
Don't over-think things, unless you're planning to over-think on purpose.
If over a month or more you are truly not seeing results, then your estimates and measurements are probably off. Check your data. Get a HRM with a chest strap. Be more anal about logging your food intake.
It. Works.0 -
If you're going to weigh yourself everyday, then understand why fluctuations happen and change your expectations. I track my weight daily, but do so specifically because I'm curious about how my body responds to exercise and food. To keep from getting discouraged, I track the lowest weight in a given week, and use that to measure my overall progress. Do something similar, but read up on human physiology before you give up just because your scale said one number vs. another.
Make a plan and stick to it. It works. Your physiology is no different than any one else's, and calorie restriction + exercise have worked for many many others. It works.
Don't over-think things, unless you're planning to over-think on purpose.
If over a month or more you are truly not seeing results, then your estimates and measurements are probably off. Check your data. Get a HRM with a chest strap. Be more anal about logging your food intake.
It. Works.
What they say above. ^^^
Water weight fluctuates on a daily basis throughout the day. If you're dehydrated you're gonna way less. If you drank lots and maybe even ate really low calorie density foods that are full of water, you'll be heavier due to the physical mass of the water in the food. Measure weight consistently once a week. If you can't stand that then maybe add a second in but it's unnecessary really. Make sure you weigh yourselves under the same conditions each time. Most people do it first thing on a Friday morning, naked and after going to the loo. Also, take some measurements, waist hips etc. This helps when the scales aren't moving as it shows the fat loss where some of the fat weight is being replaced by muscle OR water weight.
As above, if you're getting no results on either measurements after about 6 weeks then re-evaluate. But if you're logging accurately, it'll be easier to spot where you're going wrong. I suggest (as above!) getting a DECENT HRM that takes in to account, height, weight, gender, activity level, VO2 max, Actual MHR (NOT 220- age rubbish) and RHR so ideally something with a built in fit test and relatively reliable (as far as HRMs go) algorithm for calculating calories burned. I suggest the Polar RS300X. Make sure you're weighing food, volume is potentially a little unreliable. Also, I always try to go slightly under my allowance as nutritional info is legally allowed to be up to 20% out so you could unintentionally be logging 20% less or 20% more calories than you're actually consuming. But I like to err on the side of caution.
Hope that helps. Don't get fixated on the scales and day to day fluctuations. It's not healthy and sure to demoralise you.0 -
If you're going to weigh yourself everyday, then understand why fluctuations happen and change your expectations. I track my weight daily, but do so specifically because I'm curious about how my body responds to exercise and food. To keep from getting discouraged, I track the lowest weight in a given week, and use that to measure my overall progress. Do something similar, but read up on human physiology before you give up just because your scale said one number vs. another.
Make a plan and stick to it. It works. Your physiology is no different than any one else's, and calorie restriction + exercise have worked for many many others. It works.
Don't over-think things, unless you're planning to over-think on purpose.
If over a month or more you are truly not seeing results, then your estimates and measurements are probably off. Check your data. Get a HRM with a chest strap. Be more anal about logging your food intake.
It. Works.
Thanks a lot! 0 -
water weight mainly.. it changes thoughout the day.
I suggest weighing once a week 0 -
If you're going to weigh yourself everyday, then understand why fluctuations happen and change your expectations. I track my weight daily, but do so specifically because I'm curious about how my body responds to exercise and food. To keep from getting discouraged, I track the lowest weight in a given week, and use that to measure my overall progress. Do something similar, but read up on human physiology before you give up just because your scale said one number vs. another.
Make a plan and stick to it. It works. Your physiology is no different than any one else's, and calorie restriction + exercise have worked for many many others. It works.
Don't over-think things, unless you're planning to over-think on purpose.
Thanx again! I feel better now...
If over a month or more you are truly not seeing results, then your estimates and measurements are probably off. Check your data. Get a HRM with a chest strap. Be more anal about logging your food intake.
It. Works.
What they say above. ^^^
Water weight fluctuates on a daily basis throughout the day. If you're dehydrated you're gonna way less. If you drank lots and maybe even ate really low calorie density foods that are full of water, you'll be heavier due to the physical mass of the water in the food. Measure weight consistently once a week. If you can't stand that then maybe add a second in but it's unnecessary really. Make sure you weigh yourselves under the same conditions each time. Most people do it first thing on a Friday morning, naked and after going to the loo. Also, take some measurements, waist hips etc. This helps when the scales aren't moving as it shows the fat loss where some of the fat weight is being replaced by muscle OR water weight.
As above, if you're getting no results on either measurements after about 6 weeks then re-evaluate. But if you're logging accurately, it'll be easier to spot where you're going wrong. I suggest (as above!) getting a DECENT HRM that takes in to account, height, weight, gender, activity level, VO2 max, Actual MHR (NOT 220- age rubbish) and RHR so ideally something with a built in fit test and relatively reliable (as far as HRMs go) algorithm for calculating calories burned. I suggest the Polar RS300X. Make sure you're weighing food, volume is potentially a little unreliable. Also, I always try to go slightly under my allowance as nutritional info is legally allowed to be up to 20% out so you could unintentionally be logging 20% less or 20% more calories than you're actually consuming. But I like to err on the side of caution.
Hope that helps. Don't get fixated on the scales and day to day fluctuations. It's not healthy and sure to demoralise you.
Thank you! 0 -
I lost 2kgs from going to sleep to waking up this morning. Don't worry to much about weight fluctuations. Record the weight once a week first thing in the morning
Hahaha! I get it now!0 -
i ditched my scales i was to focused on number.
after doing turbofire i know realise scales arnt number 1.
i only lost 6lb in 6wk yet i lost 21.5"
so for me scales mean very little these days 0 -
The best time to weigh in is in the morning, nekkid! Weight is always going to fluctuate, and everyone else have given great reasons for the fluctuations!
If you find yourself obsessing over the scale (like I do!) I recommend just weighing in once a week. I try to eat dinner earlier the night before, have had enough water, not too much sodium.
You should try taking measurements! Be really thorough, do your neck, arms, chest, waist, hips, thighs, calves. It's amazing how the scale won't budge but the tape measure does.
Good luck! Don't get discouraged, I'm sure you're doing just fine!
Will do it first thing tomorrow! Take my measurements I mean! Thanks!0 -
Only ditch the scale if it is keeping you from feeling motivation (obviously, it is). But definitely talk with your doctor. He/she will be able to explain your medications and potential side-effects and might even be able to provide insightful information about good/bad exercises for your fibromyalgia. Your personal trainer will know some things about nutrition and physiology but he/she is not qualified to explain (no matter how well-intentioned or reasonable the explanation) your medications and health, apart from cardiovascular and strength exercise. A family member of mine has a health condition which was worsened with exercises recommended by a personal trainer, so just make sure you speak to the right person first.
Back to the scale - I try to weigh myself every day but often forget. It is a reminder for me to drink water or cut back on sugars/sodium. If I find I have gained 1kg overnight, I consider everything I had the day before. It is likely that I either (a) ate too many starches, sugars, or too much sodium, or (b) was so dehydrated that I retained water. Typically my weight returns to normal by evening or the next day.
Water weight will make you retain inches, by the way, so that might explain some of your trouble with sizes. Just to put things in perspective, I am 65 inches (1.65 meters) tall and currently weigh 55.3 kg. When a certain lady pays her visit during the month, she brings a hefty 2.2-3.2 kg with her. That makes a huge impact on my clothing sizes - the weight goes to my bum and thighs. Sometimes when I overdo it on the Friday night pizza and candy, I will find I have gained 1.5-2.5 kg the next day. I have lost 0.5 kg since yesterday simply by taking a 3.5 km run. So, it is not all a loss (pardon the expression) if you find your weight is up and down Thanks a lot! 0 -
You look great! I did want to bring forward a myth so many believe. Muscle does not 'weigh' more then fat, A pound is a pound is a pound. A pound of feathers weigh the same as a pound of water. What is truth, the heavier object (the muscle or water) are less dense taking up less room. So, a pound of muscle is smaller then a pound of fat.
I know what you mean.. Am thick with all this in spite of studying human physiology at college! Thanx a ton! 0 -
The best thing that has ever happened to me was the day my electronic scales broke! Now I weight in once a week, same time, same clothes with a group! Some awesome scales in pharmacies that will give you print out for small fee. Try it that way and keep pinning up weekly results on your fridge! 0
-
Phew! Thanks a lot, everyone! Am getting a measuring tape on my way home from work and will record my measurements first thing tommorow morning, and will keep tracking that to see how am doing. Now I know fluctuations happen and for many reasons! So, I won't panic and hate the scale... 0
-
You look great! I did want to bring forward a myth so many believe. Muscle does not 'weigh' more then fat, A pound is a pound is a pound. A pound of feathers weigh the same as a pound of water. What is truth, the heavier object (the muscle or water) are less dense taking up less room. So, a pound of muscle is smaller then a pound of fat.
My exact thoughts!
I'm bad about getting on the scale, also. I was doing it every day. I can fluctuate 5 pounds up OR down in one day. So I have vowed to weigh myself once a week Monday am around 7 naked so I can be more consistent.0 -
This week my scale has told me that I've gained SEVEN pounds! How the hell is that even possible when eating under 1200 every single day! I thought I was being strong only weighing once a week (I get obsessed otherwise) but now I'm thinking of ditching the scales completely - it's just too depressing
Are you sure your body isn't retaining fat because its in starvation mode? How under 1200?
Mostly, I agree with Fuzz. The scale can say I haven't lost a thing and I could (usually) care less. Am I in a smaller pant size? Then we have success. My goals aren't numbers, they are things like "get into these pants". I care about the number just because I have so much to lose. Its a way right now of motivating.0 -
This week my scale has told me that I've gained SEVEN pounds! How the hell is that even possible when eating under 1200 every single day! I thought I was being strong only weighing once a week (I get obsessed otherwise) but now I'm thinking of ditching the scales completely - it's just too depressing
Are you sure your body isn't retaining fat because its in starvation mode? How under 1200?
You may be right (900-1000 most days - sometimes less) yet I keep reading threads/posts on MFP that state starvation mode is a myth, so who knows what to believe.
I do feel, however, that if it comes down to the scientifically simple 'energy in v evergy out' then it seems very very unfair that you can eat 'right' & exercise yet not see the results!0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.6K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 176K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.6K Fitness and Exercise
- 431 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.4K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions