How Often Weight Should Be Measured
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Article By: Weight Watchers Research Department
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Monitoring body weight on a regular basis is a behavior linked to weight-loss success. There is, however, some controversy as to how frequently weight should be measured.
Obesity experts have found that self-monitoring of specific behaviors on a regular basis increases the likelihood of weight-loss success.1 Monitoring body weight is one of these behaviors. Knowing what is going on with body weight provides feedback and a sense of accountability. There is, however, some controversy as to how frequently weight should be measured.
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In a study at the University of Minnesota, researchers examined the self-reported weighing practices of 3,226 participants over two years;2 1,226 were enrolled in a program to help prevent weight gain and 1,800 were overweight and enrolled in a weight-loss program. Weighing at least weekly was linked to a lower body mass index (BMI) and greater weight loss in both the weight-loss and weight-gain prevention groups compared to those who weighed themselves less frequently. Daily weight measurements had the greatest weight-loss results in both groups.
Weight-Loss Maintenance
For maintaining weight loss, weighing daily may be especially beneficial. Among people in the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR), a database of people who have lost at least 30 pounds and have been successful at keeping it off, more than 44% report weighing themselves at least once a day, and 31% report weighing themselves at least once a week.3 It is believed that checking weight frequently helps to identify small weight changes quickly so that corrective actions can be taken without delay.
Losing Weight
While there is some evidence that measuring weight on a daily basis may be helpful, some medical experts advise that it may not be the best strategy for everyone working to lose weight. Why? The inevitable daily fluctuations in weight can be discouraging and may lead to focusing too much on a single measure of weight-loss success. Looking at multiple measures of success, including adherence to a food plan, daily exercise, and seeking support, may be a better strategy.
The Weight Watchers Approach:
Weight Watchers recommends that multiple methods of self-monitoring be part of the weight-loss process, including a weekly weight measurement. Ideally, weight should be measured in a consistent way (time of day, day of week, etc.). More frequent self-monitoring of weight may be helpful during weight maintenance.
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This content is reviewed regularly. Last updated September 24, 2009.
1 O'Neil PM. Assessing dietary intake in the management of obesity. Obes. Res. 2001 Dec;9 Suppl 5:361S-366S.
2 Linde JA, Jeffery RW, French SA, Pronk NP, Boyle RG. Self-weighing in weight gain prevention and weight loss trials. Ann Behav Med. 2005 Dec;30(3):210-6.
3 Wing RR, Phelan S. Long-term weight loss maintenance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jul;82(1 Suppl):222S-225S.
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