Scales remain the best way to keep an eye on how your weight changes over time. However, if you use bathroom scales regularly, you need to follow a few rules for the readings to be useful. When should you weigh yourself, under what conditions, how often, and with which type of scale? Here are our 4 tips for weighing yourself properly and tracking your weight reliably.
Tip 1: The right time to weigh yourself
It is recommended to always weigh yourself in the morning. Your weight fluctuates throughout the day depending on whether you have eaten, drunk, exercised, or simply used the bathroom. Ideally, the morning is the best time of day to step on the scale. You should of course do so on an empty stomach (no food or liquids, with a tolerance of one to two glasses of water at most) and after using the bathroom.
It is also strongly recommended to weigh yourself consistently, meaning always at the same time. This way, your reading is a true reflection of your physical condition and allows for far more accurate tracking than if the time varies constantly.
Tip 2: The right conditions for weighing yourself
This second tip actually brings together several recommendations for a reliable and accurate weigh-in.
The first recommendation concerns where you place your scale. To weigh yourself accurately, place your scale on a flat, stable, non-slip surface. Even the slightest tilt or instability can directly affect the reading and therefore the precision of the device.
The second recommendation relates to the scale itself: to weigh yourself accurately, always use the same device. Not all bathroom scales offer the same level of precision. Some scales are also out of calibration — often due to heavy use. This is particularly true of self-service scales in pharmacies, which are frequently used but rarely serviced.
Finally, one last recommendation for an accurate weigh-in: avoid being dressed or wearing shoes when you step on the scale. This may seem obvious, but it is not for everyone! To weigh yourself accurately, do so naked or in your underwear, and without shoes.
Where to weigh yourself: at home or at the chemist’s?
To track your weight from week to week, the simplest option is to weigh yourself at home, on your own bathroom scales. That way, you can step on them whenever suits you, under the same conditions each time. The scales at a chemist’s can come in handy now and then, for instance when you are away from home. However, you shouldn’t compare their reading with the one from your usual scales.
Tip 3: How often to weigh yourself
A third tip that will no doubt reassure those who are obsessed with the scale: there is absolutely no point in weighing yourself several times a day. As explained above, your weight varies throughout the day depending on whether you have eaten or drunk, done physical activity, or used the bathroom. Weighing yourself morning, noon and night every day can indicate a problematic pattern, especially if the reading triggers negative thoughts (disappointment, frustration, self-loathing), or even risky behaviours (food restriction). In such cases, it is important to regain perspective, curb the obsessive behaviour, and consider speaking to a healthcare professional.
The recommended frequency for weighing yourself is once a week. A weekly weigh-in, always on the same day, gives you a clearer picture of how your weight is evolving. As for which day to choose, it is best to avoid Monday morning. Weekends often involve a little indulgence — restaurant meals or family gatherings. For a more representative reading, choose another day of the week. It is commonly said that Friday morning is when weight tends to be at its lowest.
Tip 4: Choosing the right scales
To weigh yourself accurately and track your weight curve with precision, choosing the right scales matters. There are different types of bathroom scales depending on whether you simply want to monitor your weight or gain deeper insight into your physical condition.
If you only want to check your weight occasionally, mechanical scales will do the job. They are a basic, slightly old-fashioned option, but fairly reliable and sturdy. Your weight is shown on a dial with a needle, and you can adjust the device before each weigh-in by recalibrating the needle. Electronic scales can also be a good choice. Their main advantage is that they show a precise figure, down to the gram.
That said, if you want more detailed weight tracking along with additional health data, smart scales — also known as body composition analysers — may be worth investing in. This type of device provides more comprehensive information about an individual’s physical condition and the various components that make up their weight (which is, after all, just one number). Smart scales can give readings on body fat, muscle mass, bone mass, water mass, and more. Some models also allow you to store personal data for a highly personalised approach to tracking your weight and health. Another advantage: these intelligent scales can be synced via Bluetooth with a smartphone or smartwatch (via a companion app) for real-time monitoring.
On that note, Cellublue is launching its own smart scales, and it is quite something. Our cutting-edge device provides no fewer than 12 measurements. After all, your weight is far from the only indicator of your health! Our smart scale gives you information on:
- Your gross weight
- Your fat-free weight
- Your body fat percentage
- An estimate of your visceral fat percentage (a commonly monitored indicator)
- Your BMI (Body Mass Index)
- Your hydration percentage (water present in the body)
- Your muscle percentage (lean mass assessment)
- Your bone mass
- An assessment of your basal metabolic rate
- Your body age based on your physical condition
- Your degree of obesity
- Your protein level
You can of course sync the scale with your smartphone using our companion mobile app (accessible via QR Code, and coming soon to the most popular app stores).
Our scales give you several measurements in addition to your weight and can be synced with your smartphone, so you can better understand your weight fluctuations. And that is what truly matters: beyond an arbitrary number (your weight), stepping on the scale should give you real insight into what deserves your attention — your hydration, your muscle condition, an estimate of your bone mass… To go further, take a look at our tips to look after your weight, reach your ideal weight, tone up or simply take better care of yourself.
Frequently asked questions
How do you weigh yourself properly?
Weigh yourself in the morning, on an empty stomach and after going to the loo. Always do it at the same time and on the same scales. Put the scales on a flat, stable, non-slip surface, and step on them naked or in your underwear, without shoes. Weighing yourself once a week, always on the same day, is enough to track how your weight changes.
Should you weigh yourself with your clothes on?
No. Clothes and shoes distort the reading and make it hard to compare your weigh-ins from one week to the next. To weigh yourself properly, do it naked or in your underwear, and always without shoes.
How often should you weigh yourself?
The recommended frequency is once a week, always on the same day. There is no point weighing yourself several times a day, as your weight naturally varies throughout the day. It is also best to avoid Monday mornings, after meals that are often more generous over the weekend.
Which bathroom scales are the most reliable?
Mechanical scales are a basic but fairly reliable and sturdy option, and you can adjust them before each weigh-in. Electronic scales show a precise figure. If you want other data (body fat, muscle mass, hydration…), you can choose smart scales. Whichever you go for, always use the same device.
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Useful categories: Weight Management.
