The RIGHT (and WRONG) Way to Weigh Yourself
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted January 18, 2024
It’s THAT time of year again.
You know, weight loss season.
Every January, the combination of holiday weight gain and weight loss resolutions has us regularly climbing on the scale.
But it might surprise you to learn that there IS a correct and incorrect way to weigh yourself.
It’s strange but true. In fact, when and how you weigh yourself can significantly affect your results…
Weighing yourself is a pretty straightforward task, right? Hop on, stand still, and read the number.
And in many ways, it IS that simple.
But surprisingly, if you want accurate and consistent results, there are some additional steps you should take.
- Be consistent with timing: It’s best to weigh yourself at the same time every day to account for normal daily fluctuations in body weight. In the morning after going to the bathroom and before eating or drinking is a good time.
- Use a reliable scale: Make sure your scale is accurate and set up correctly. Try weighing something you know the precise weight of. Digital scales are typically more exact than mechanical ones.
- Use a hard, flat surface: Put the scale on a hard, flat surface such as wood or tiles. Using it on carpeted floors will give you inaccurate readings.
- Take off extra clothes: Before weighing yourself, remove heavy clothes, shoes, and accessories like belts or jewelry.
- Stand up straight: Make sure your weight is evenly spread across both feet and that you’re standing upright and in the middle of the scale. Don’t lean or shift your weight while standing on the scale. Keep your feet flat on the surface.
- Be consistent with body position: Every time you weigh yourself, stand or sit in the same position. This will ensure you have accurate measurements for comparisons.
- Measure more than once: To get a more precise weight, weigh yourself twice or three times and then take the average of the readings.
Regular weigh-ins and tracking your weight over time is a great way to spot trends, catch health issues early, and hold yourself accountable.
However, keep in mind that weight is only one measurement of health. You should also focus on other things, such as body composition, muscle mass, and general health.
If you have a particular health issue you’re trying to overcome or a specific weight management goal, consider getting some personalized advice from a medical professional or a registered dietitian.
P.S. The TRUTH about water and weight loss.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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