If you are trying to get a flat stomach, lose weight, you’re on a diet or you just don’t want to gain any extra weight, how often should you be weighing yourself? Many popular weight loss programs do not recommend weighing yourself daily. Instead, they suggest getting yourself on the scales once per week or even less.

Everyones weight fluctuates from day-to-day, and weighing yourself daily can lead to disappointment and potentially overeating or under eating if you see a higher number on the scale than you saw the day before. A lot of health experts now recommend weighing yourself once per week or even a monthly weigh in to give you a more accurate reading of weight and your diet progress.

photo credit: HB Art

On the flip side recent studies have suggested that some people will benefit from the accountability brought on by daily or more frequent weigh-ins. The potential advantage in weighing yourself daily is immediate recognition of any weight increases. If you are weighing yourself on a less frequent basis then you may miss out on catching any weight gain that was not immediately apparent to you and the chance to modify your diet and exercise before the weight gain becomes difficult to lose.

Your personality and attitude to weight loss will most likely play the biggest role in choosing how often to step on the scales. If you’re easily discouraged, daily weighing might cause you to give up your attempts if you don’t see rapid progress. On the other hand, if you crave control and feedback, daily weighing might satisfy more of your needs and fuel your motivation.

Whatever weigh-in frequency you choose, keep in mind the following tips before you weigh in:

• Weighing yourself first thing in the morning will usually give you the most accurate reflection of your weight. Because of variations in food and fluid intake you will generally gain weight throughout the day.
• If your weight stabilizes and remains the same for a period of time this is not to worry. If you’re exercising a lot, your weight can remain stable for a time even though you will still be decreasing your body fat content and getting fitter.
• You should remember to listen and take notice of your own body. Don’t always let the numbers and the scales rule your life. Take notice of how you’re feeling? Are your pants getting looser, belt getting tighter? Do you feel stronger, healthier, leaner? How you’re feeling may just be the most important thing when it comes to weight loss and keeping healthy.

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