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Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Original poster

Best time to weigh?

52 replies

moonstarsuns · 08/04/2026 21:53

So I’m on a diet.. yesterday at boots weighing scales in store I was 10 stone 8. Today I got digital scales in Tesco which this evening , 2 hours after eating and no snacks or drinks, showed 10 stone 9 but half an hour later it showed 10 stone 10. How can half an hour make a difference when I haven’t done anything? I’m so confused

OP posts:
Elara255 · 13/04/2026 15:05

Optimistic252 · 13/04/2026 08:47

Your weight can easily go up by a full pound or even more within half an hour, even when you haven’t eaten, drunk, or done anything at all. Digital scales are very sensitive, and tiny differences in how you stand, the surface underneath, or your body’s natural fluid movements can make the number change quickly. The reading at Tesco being higher than at Boots is also normal because different scales are rarely calibrated exactly the same. Half an hour later it showing 10 stone 10 instead of 10 stone 9 is nothing unusual and does not mean you gained any real weight. For the most reliable results, always weigh yourself first thing in the morning, after the toilet, on the same scales, on a hard flat floor, and wearing the same clothes (or none). This daily up-and-down in stone is completely normal and not something to worry about.

Thank you, that really helps put my mind at ease! I didn’t realize digital scales were that sensitive to small changes in posture or fluid movement, but it makes sense now. The tip about weighing first thing in the morning on the same scales is really useful—I’ll definitely start doing that instead of hopping on random store scales at different times of day. It’s reassuring to know that a one-pound difference in half an hour is totally normal and nothing to stress over. I think I was just overthinking it, so I really appreciate you breaking it down so clearly. And for anyone else trying to make sense of their own scale readings across different devices, I’ve found it handy to double-check conversions with a tool like the stone to kg converter at https://stone2kg.co.uk to keep things consistent.

Original poster
moonstarsuns · 14/04/2026 17:50

So to update. I’m now 10 6 so almost lost a stone 🎉 am eating more veg and allowing myself the odd treat here and there and have also started walking and I feel much more light and energetic but I still want to lose more for my height

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