why does my weight fluctuate?

[mistycatt]

Hey guys,

Why does my weight fluctuate? Some mornings my scale will say that I weight 102 then on another say it will say anywhere from 103-106.... and I weigh myself in the morning.

[skyman]

1) Mass of food stuff still in your body
2) Mass of water in body
3) What clothes you wear

Your avg. weight is probably around 104-105 and that 102 that sticks in your head was probably when you were a little dehydrated or when your intestines were clean.

[threenorns]

also, being female, you're more prone to water fluctuation. in some women, it can be as much as 15lbs on a day-to-day basis.

that's why you throw the scales out the window and go by the tape measure and how your clothing fits.

[Shamrock]

15 lbs?? You guys are strange.....

[nitromoose]

I've had fluctuations of about 6+lbs in a day lol. (and I'm a guy). But only weigh yourself once a week or you'll become obsessed about it.

[Merrida]

I know that many people find it very hard to believe, but in the case of women, it is absolutely astonishing how much our weight can fluctuate throughout a single day,....never mind day to day....and nevermind the considerations given to ovulation and menstruation. Just plain ole regular "throughout the day" weight variations can be incredible.

At one point, I think in my very early 20's, I can recall a few years time in particular where my weight could vary by as much as 13 pounds. I swear, if I didn't share this with someone at the time and have her with me (I needed to make sure I wasn't either mis-reading or imagining this whole thing)....I would never have believed it possible. But,...it is.

Why? Dunno.

Smaller pound variances I can easily relate to things such as hormones, diet, sodium, water retention from either carbs or dehydration,....the usual stuff. But those numbers, 13 pounds, just seemed way too off. I don't blame those who can't believe it, and if I hadn't gone through it, I wouldn't either.

As for other reasons, see previous posts because they're dead-straight on as to why your weight would fluctuate in the amounts you inquired.

[Gearloose]

Originally Posted by nitromoose

I've had fluctuations of about 6+lbs in a day lol. (and I'm a guy). But only weigh yourself once a week or you'll become obsessed about it.

You can weigh yourself every day and not be obsessed about it. You must remember that your weight on any given day is going to fall within a normal range--some days up, some days down. Weight is one helpful tool, but is only one tool.

By weighing yourself every day, you can spot trends in weight change sooner. Just make your daily weigh-ins at the same time every day. Morning is best. Weigh yourself completely undressed right after that first morning bathroom trip and before breakfast or morning coffee. (two cups of coffee will add a pound to your weight - 8 oz x 2) Recording your weight will allow you to see the normal day to day fluctuations and ease your mind. You will see progress toward your goals sooner too, which will encourage you or alert you to the need to take corrective steps.

Just remember that weight is only one tool. Body fat percentage changes are as important, or more important. The tale of the tape is the third piece of the puzzle. Muscle tissue is is denser than fatty tissue. You can gain weight by gaining muscle as you lose fat. The scale says you are heavier and the tape says you are smaller. Either measurement alone does not tell the full tale.

Scale alone: "I'm getting heavier. Am I getting fatter or gaining muscle?"

Tape alone: I'm getting smaller. Am I burning fat, or am I cannibalizing my own muscle tissue too?"

Bodyfat Calipers alone: "My bodyfat is down 4%. Have I gained any muscle too?"

Scale + Tape + Bodyfat Caliper = "I'm getting heavier (or staying the same), my waist & thigh measurements are down, and my bodyfat percentage is down. Horray, I'm losing fat and gaining muscle! :

Looking in the mirror is good too, but don't depend on it as your point of view is not 100% objective. We all see what we want to see in the mirror to a greater or lesser degree.

[Chain]

Good advice Gearloose.

[Vas85]

Originally Posted by Shamrock

15 lbs?? You guys are strange.....

Its not that strange, i think the most ive changed as a result of normal human functions and eating etc. is probably 8lb.

As bodybuilders or fitness physiques that the woman are after, i woudln't really look at the weight of the body. Its more about how you feel seeing your reflection in the mirror, becuase the scale could say you have put on/ or lost a few pounds but you look inthe mirror your identically the same.