Throw Out The Scales!!

[Buddyjay]

Here is another reason to not take the scales too seriously... Since doing Atkins (4 weeks) I had purchased a GOOD Taylor digital scale. Although it was showing a weight decline, somedays I would notice that it weighed me EXACTLY the same a few times during the day, even after a meal;
i.e. 210.2...210.2...210.2. So I would get on the scale again...210.2 ... then hold something like a pile of clothes just to make sure the scale wasn't stuck on 210.2. It would go up to 215. Then I would step off and then get on without the clothes and it should register 210.2, right? Nope... now it says 209. I would get on/off 8 times and it would now say 209. Hold the clothes again; make it go up. Drop the clothes; get on... stil 209. Okay, maybe it was stuck?
The last two weeks, my weight has been stuck at 208.6. Reading the forum, this is normal, but discouraging. Today, I get on and it says 208.2. I take my measurements (every Monday) and decide to get on the scale again. 208.2. I then decide to do the clothes test again. Scale goes up to 212. Drop the clothes, get back on and now it reads 207.6. One entire pound differance!! Get on the scale 5 more times. Again 207.6.
Although I hold the actual numbers relevant to the weight loss, I still would like to be accurate as far as lbs. lost. These scales are NOT accurate. They fluctuate drastically. Although they can give you and indication as far as lbs. lost. Do NOT rely on them! As others have mentioned many times.... take measurments and see how your clothes fit. That is the true indication of your progress. I believe the only accurate scales are the types found in Dr.'s offices. But they are expensive.
I know that these digital scales can even give you different readings if the batteries are low. Now I am wondering how many people get too discouraged when they don't see a weight drop when in actuallity it could be there scales given them false readings.

[WindCriesMary]

I know that these digital scales can even give you different readings if the batteries are low.

I can back you up on that one. My scale fluctuated wildly before and after I changed the battery recently. A real pain. I keep a pair of too-tight pants handy for checking my progress.

[obkbbby]

That's what I've been doing. My scale doesn't fluctuate as badly as yours, but it does a little. I've been keeping a pair of jeans that is one size too small and I keep trying them on. Good news - they almost fit! YAY!

[SandyL2002]

That is the hardest thing to do is not rely on the scales..but you are right.. I have a pair of Capris that I wore last year.. A few weeks ago I couldn't get them half way up my thighs.. This week I can go up my thighs... Just not over the rest of me.. But its getting there.. slowly but surely

[skinnymom!]

Definitely true. I was disappointed to see I only lost half a pound this week (second week of Induction) even though I have totally stuck to the plan, no cheating or eating things not allowed etc. When I did my two week measurement I have lost 11.8 inches overall!! So that .5 lb depression the scale put me in evaporated immediately!

I have done that test too. When I've needed an approx weight for a heavy box I needed to ship, I got on the scale with the box and noted the weight. Put the box down and got on by myself, and there would be like a lb difference when the box alone was at LEAST 8-10 lbs. Dumb scales

[D14965]

my scales are lying to me - I just know it! ( wicked laugh) they have given me the same news now for 4 weeks... no loss - no gain . I am praying daily to the whooshie fairy !!! ( at least the no gain part is a good thing ! )

[fallenwingz11]

Buddyjay I know exactly what you mean! I have a digital scale ta home that always keeps me atthe same weight even though i know I am losing (clothes, energy etc..) I went home this weekend to visit my parents and they have a professional weight scale. I got on and guess what i was 6.. yes 6!!!! pounds lighter then my scale is showing me at!! I was shocked!

[Bizzie]

I know.... When I weight myself I do it first thing in the morning, and then that is it, I don't step on it during the day at all.

[ConfusedAndNeedHelp]

I agree, the scale is evil. It mocks me. Mine also depends on where exactly your feet are positioned and if you are leaning forward or backwards a bit.

[gonnabskinny]

This couldn't have been posted at a better time for me. I have steadily been losing about 2 lbs per week. This past week I went up to OWL 2 and added 5 more net carbs. Today was my weigh in day and I gained 2.8 lbs according to the scale this morning. According to my calorie counter, I could have stayed in bed all week and done nothing but eat and sleep and lost over a pound based on my intake.

Now I'm wondering about the scale. It has always weighed me six pounds heavier than our old professional analog scale, but I did notice that this digital scale (that also measures fat%, etc.) does the same thing that you are talking about. Step on it and it registers the weight, step on it four or five more times and it stays exactly the same. Go to the bathroom, or go have breakfast and come back and it still is the same. Maybe I need to try the clothes trick to see what happens.

Here I was thinking that I needed to move back down to OWL 1. I think I will give it another week and see what happens.