If you have issues with your weight, getting on the scale can be a big deal. Even though it is a very simple act, and you weigh what you weigh regardless of whether you choose to look at it or not, it can be a very emotional experience. If you have not been paying attention to your weight, and then get on the scale to see a large weight gain, this can be depressing. If you are trying to lose weight and get on the scale to see no change at all, or even a weight gain, this can be very frustrating. If you have joined a weight loss program and they weigh you once a week, this can cause all kinds of issues. Mainly the urge to binge after the weigh in and then the desperate attempt to make up for it by the next weigh in. Some people get obsessive about getting on the scale and will do so multiple times a day.
The best way to keep track of your weight is to weigh yourself everyday, first thing in the morning. Write down that weight and average it out over the week. Look at your average weekly weights to really see what is happening. If you do it this way, all the water weight fluctuations get evened out and you can get a good picture of what is really going on. You will also be able to notice when your weight is up a few pounds, like after a high sodium day or even a high calorie/high carb day, and what is causing it.
When you weigh once a week, you never know if that is the day you are up 3 pounds due to your natural water weight swings. You could also be down an unusual amount on that day if you are dehydrated. When you get on the scale multiple times a day you will be seeing all kinds of water weight swings that are unimportant in the big picture or your weight.
People who are successful at losing weight, and keeping it off long term, continue to monitor their weight regularly. If you want to be successful at controlling yours, I highly recommend you do the same thing.
That's it for now. Good luck and let me know how you're doing.
If you'd like to participate in the research for Irene's new book about the process of weight loss, please visit http://www.eatingdisordertherapist.com/ and take the survey.