How can I get an accurate weight reading?!

[just1baby4us]

Every time I weigh I get different results...how can I know I am getting an accurate reading. Even my starting weight was mixed b/c I would get different readings. Any suggestions? BTW I haven't weighed in several days and today upon waking up I weighed 144.6 which is the lowest I've ever gotten but then again I haven't weighed myself every morning before waking up. What do you suggest I do? Should I weigh everyday and do an average once a week?

[Barb135]

I agree with Giggles -- you have to figure out what works for you.  Some people find that weighing daily works best, because they can spot possible trouble before it gets out of hand; while others get nervous watching their weight fluctuate.  In my own case, weighing daily helped me catch my hypothyroidism, a few years ago; I'm only 5' tall and have never had a problem with my weight; however, I stepped on the scale one day and had gained an entire 5 pounds; I didn't think a lot of that, because I often retain that much fluid, however, when I'd gained another 5 pounds the following day, I began to really start watching what I was doing......... when it was all said and done, before I could convince my doctor that there was a problem, I'd gained almost 30 pounds in < 3 months.  Once I got on thyroid med, I was at least able to slow down the gain, and finally stop it; now I'm trying to reverse it.  

It's normal for a person's weight to fluctuate, daily, or throughout a given day, because of what you might have eaten, including salt intake; whether or not you have undigested food in your stomach, fluid retention, etc.  It also makes a difference if you are dehydrated.

Weighing first thing in the morning, after you've used the bathroom is best; also, nude is best because you won't be weighing clothing, as well as your body; I do it just before climbing into the shower.  

[just1baby4us]

Thank you both very much! I am going to just weigh myself daily after urinating and post it daily and see how it goes (fluctuations).

[aseaperson]

Weighing yourself in the morning will give you the most accurate weight because, over the course of the day, we gain and lose water weight.  Weight fluctuations are normal.  Most dieting programs recommend that you weigh yourself once a week (or even less!).  Whatever your first reading is should be your starting weight, and after that, weigh yourself once a week.  You get a more accurate picture of your weight loss, and you don't have to worry about it as much!

[giggles232000]

you should weight in first thing in the morning after you use the restroom that is your true weight most people only can weight in once a week if you do that pick one day and do that day every week, cus alot of people cant handle the ups and downs your body will do everyday,   I weight in everyday but I know in my head that one day can be diff from the next depending on muscle gain or salt intake. and weighing in everyday helps me but another person it may have the oppisite effect  you have to figure out what works best for you