Many people weigh themselves every day to track their weight loss progress or to maintain their weight. However, there’s a longstanding debate about whether or not daily weight measurements are reliable.

Some people argue that daily weight measurements are pointless because our weight fluctuates so much throughout the day and from day to day. Others argue that weighing ourselves every day can help us identify patterns in our eating habits and make adjustments as necessary. But what does science say about daily weight measurements?.

What affects daily weight measurements?

First, it’s important to understand what affects daily weight measurements. Our weight can fluctuate for a variety of reasons, including:.

Water weight
Fecal matter
Food intake
Exercise
Hormones

Water weight, in particular, can greatly affect our daily weight measurements. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, and changes in our water retention can cause our weight to fluctuate by several pounds in just one day.

For example, if you eat salty food, your body may retain extra water, causing your weight to go up. Similarly, if you’re dehydrated, your body may hold onto water, making it look like you’ve gained weight. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during a woman’s menstrual cycle, can also cause temporary weight gain or loss.

What does the research say about daily weight measurements?

Despite the fact that daily weight measurements can be influenced by so many factors, research suggests that they can still be a useful tool for weight management.

A study published in the Journal of Obesity found that people who weighed themselves every day lost more weight over a two-year period than those who weighed themselves less frequently. Another study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that people who weighed themselves every day were more likely to maintain their weight loss than those who weighed themselves less frequently.

But what about the argument that daily weight measurements are pointless because our weight fluctuates so much? A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that although people’s weight can vary by several pounds from day to day, there’s still a significant amount of consistency in weight patterns over time. The study found that participants’ weight could be accurately predicted based on their past weight measurements, even if they weighed themselves on different scales or at different times of day.

It’s worth noting, however, that daily weight measurements aren’t for everyone. Some people find that daily weigh-ins cause them to become overly fixated on their weight, leading to unhealthy behaviors.

Others may find that their weight fluctuates so much that it’s not helpful to weigh themselves every day. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to decide whether or not daily weight measurements are a useful tool for managing their weight.

How to get the most accurate daily weight measurements

If you do choose to weigh yourself every day, there are some steps you can take to ensure you’re getting the most accurate measurements:.

Weigh yourself at the same time every day. Your weight can fluctuate throughout the day, so it’s best to weigh yourself at the same time every day to get consistent readings. Ideally, you should weigh yourself first thing in the morning, after you’ve used the bathroom and before you’ve eaten or drank anything.
Weigh yourself on the same scale. Different scales can give different readings, so it’s best to weigh yourself on the same scale every day.
Wear the same clothing (or none at all). Clothing can add extra weight, so it’s best to weigh yourself in the same clothing (or without any clothing) each time.
Weigh yourself in the same location. Inconsistent flooring or uneven surfaces can also affect your weight measurements, so it’s best to weigh yourself in the same location every day.

The bottom line

While daily weight measurements can be influenced by a variety of factors, research suggests that they can still be a useful tool for weight management.

However, it’s important to remember that daily weigh-ins aren’t for everyone, and that our weight can fluctuate quite a bit from day to day. If you do choose to weigh yourself every day, take steps to ensure you’re getting the most accurate measurements possible.