Let’s just get this out of the way: We know how easy it is to obsess over the scale. And when that number goes up, it’s 100% normal to feel deflated. Humans are built to think in metrics and measuring sticks.
But here’s the great thing about progress: It can be measured in a whole lot of different but equally important ways. The number on the scale is only one of them. An important one, sure, but also an imperfect one.
3 ways to make the most of your weigh-ins
- Weigh yourself consistently. If you do it weekly, do it on the same day every week, use the same scale, and aim for first thing in the morning. (After going to the bathroom, but before coffee!) This will give you the most accurate reading.
- Expect your weight to fluctuate. A riot of things can impact your weight day-to-day. Hormonal dips, metabolic changes, what you just ate, even whether or not you’ve gone to the bathroom (TMI but true). It’s not about the number—it’s about how the number changes over time.
- Focus on non-scale victories (NSVs). These are small, everyday indicators that mark your new, healthier life. Are you eating more veggies and drinking more water? That’s an NSV. Are your clothes a little looser? Another one. Do you have more energy during the day? An NSV, for sure!
- Track no matter what. Yep, even if you’ve gained. Research suggests that the more consistently you track your weight, the more likely it is that you will make progress. And progress beats perfection any day.
Why Does My Weight Keep Changing?
A riot of things can impact your weight day-to-day. Hormonal dips, metabolic changes, what you just ate, even whether or not you’ve gone to the bathroom (TMI but true). That means your weight will change day-to-day.
That’s why we’re so big on recommending that you have a designated weigh-in day.
Show the Scale Who’s the Boss
- Weigh yourself on the same day each week at the same time. You can set up your weigh-in day right in the WW app by going to your profile and tapping on the “Check in” button.
- Weighing yourself regularly contributes to weight loss and making healthier choices.
- We suggest weighing yourself first thing in the morning, after going to the bathroom. (Then coffee!)
- Focus on non-scale victories (NSVs)—small, everyday indicators that mark your new, healthier life. Are you eating more veggies and drinking more water? That’s an NSV. Are your clothes a little looser? Another one. Do you have more energy during the day? An NSV, for sure!