Whether you're just concerned about your health or trying to shed a few pounds, there's a right and wrong way to weigh yourself to increase the accuracy of your results. Reliable scales that provide accurate measurements are important tools for these efforts, but much depends on how (and when) you use them.
Before you step on the scale, remember that this number is not the “all-inclusive” measure of your health. If you have a healthy relationship with weight measurement, your numbers can be a tool that gives you valuable insight into your progress toward your overall health goals.
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With that in mind, there are certain times after stepping on the scale that you're likely to get the most accurate results. Here are the best times to weigh yourself and some tips to ensure accuracy.
Looking for more health-related tips? Read about how to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet and why you should eat more carbs, not less.
read more: Expert tips to reduce body fat
Please weigh yourself at this point
The scale will give you the most accurate readings if you weigh yourself first thing in the morning. Do it after using the toilet, before eating breakfast, or before drinking water.
According to experts, Morning is the best time This is because it gives your body a chance to properly digest everything you ate and drank the previous day, leaving your stomach relatively empty.
More tips for getting accurate measurements
Besides weighing yourself at the ideal time of day, there are other ways to ensure accurate scale readings on a regular basis. This is especially important when tracking weight gain or loss.
- Weigh yourself once a week at the same time.
- Place the scale on a firm, flat surface.
- Stand barefoot on the scale and distribute your weight evenly between your feet.
- Wear almost no clothes when weighing yourself. Whatever you decide, try to be consistent every time you weigh in to increase accuracy.
When to stop using the scale
As with any unhealthy relationship, you can stop weighing yourself if you think it's having a negative impact on your life. Don't hesitate to throw away your scale if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Negative thoughts caused by weighing yourself
- Dangerous or unhealthy habits caused by weighing
- Periodic anxiety or sadness after weighing
- Eating disorders (currently developing, recovering from, or previously had an eating disorder)
read more: Weight isn't everything: 6 health indicators that matter more
