How much can your weight fluctuate during the day/from day to day?

Hi,
I'm relatively new to this site and I was wondering, by how much can your weight fluctuate or vary? For example, if the scale says 150 lbs, is that +/- 5 pounds? +/- 10 pounds? I've noticed a lot of fluctuation lately depending on the day, or time of day, and I'm not sure whether I'm gaining weight. Thanks very much.

I was wondering the same thing so I asked a dietitian. She said to weigh at the same time of day, preferably after you have used the bathroom, before showering, eating, drinking and before dressing. Make sure the scale is on solid ground. No carpeting, no tiling, etc. She said smooth linoleum or concrete (like the basement or garage is good).
Do not move the scale once you have located a spot because this will offset it also. Your menstrual cycle will affect it before and during also. Any medications can make a difference.


I just wanted to see for myself so this is what I did. I followed her points exactly and came up with 307.6 this morning. 2 hours later, I moved the scale, had taken a shower, drank some coffee, lazed around, I was not clothed. My weight had adjusted to 310.4. I hope this helps!

How does taking a shower effect your weight?

Your body absorbs water.

I do exactly what your dietician said, I weigh myself after using the bathroom, before a shower, the same time and in the same place every week, minus clothes.

I have noticed these fluctuations as well. I tend to be heaviest in the morning presumably as my body replenishes its glycogen and water levels, ironically loses weight when I have a shower (/boggle) then I go to work after hour of swimming

My lightest tends to be when I return home from work. Like people have mentioned it is good to pick a certain time of day for the weighins preferrably one that has the least number of variables occuring before it. I would presume a morning weigh in would be best.

Fluctuations occur many times during the day, so try to measure your weight the same day of the week in the morning as soon as you wake up. That is what I've done so far, when you lose weight, you notice it. The belt doesn't lie. That is all. I hope this help you, good luck.