This post was written by Amanda Sytsma, RDN, PPG – Weight Management & Bariatric Surgery.
The start of a new year often brings a fresh commitment to obtaining or maintaining a healthy body weight, and a key tool for tracking progress is stepping on the scale routinely. Here are some common questions we get about consistent weight tracking.
What type of equipment do you recommend (digital scales, “smart” scales, etc.)?
Any scale will work! A digital/smart scale would be the most accurate since it displays a number rather than a sliding beam or gage, which could require some interpretation. Smart scales are nice since they can graph your progress and you can see the small trends in your weight.
You also want to make sure you are weighing yourself on a hard, flat surface (bathrooms and kitchens work well). Weighing yourself on soft flooring can cause variances on the scale.
Does it matter what time of day I weigh myself or what I wear?
It really comes down to consistency. It is important to weigh yourself at a consistent time of the day (using the same scale) and wearing something similar. All scales weigh differently, but if you are using the same scale, it will more accurately reflect your weight (gains, losses, or maintenance). Remember, food, beverages, clothing and waste (stools/urine) all account for weight on the scale.
How should I handle a plateau or setback?
Everyone experiences weight plateaus. It’s completely natural. The important thing is to remain consistent and keep following the healthy behavior changes you’ve adopted. Keep with it, and don’t give up!
Need additional support?
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