Why do I weigh more at the doctor's than at home?

A higher reading during your checkup could be due to many factors outside your control. "Some weight fluctuations are to be expected from things like eating salty foods, monthly hormonal fluctuations, strength training and weight of clothing," says Dr.

Is the doctor's scale more accurate?

All medical weighing scales are Class III Approved, making them legal for medical use. This also means they are more accurate than cheaper home scales due to the calibre of testing they have undergone and the high standard of performance expected from professional, medical equipment.

How much weight does the DR scale add?

Many people notice that their weight is a bit high whenever they weigh in on an analog doctor's scale. Compared to a digital scale, an analog scale shows them 3 to 4 pounds heavier. However, if you check your weight on a digital scale, you will notice a lower body weight by 3 to 4 pounds.

Why do they weigh you at the doctor's office?

Sometimes, knowing your weight is important information your doctor needs to inform a treatment decision (like certain medication dosages). In these cases, your doctor may insist on weighing you.

Why is my scale off by 10 pounds?

All measuring equipment has a margin of error but is an otherwise exact piece of equipment. Therefore, there is no reason that a high-quality, accurate scale should be off by 10 pounds or more. Fortunately, if yours is off by 10 pounds, you can typically calibrate it and return it to its accurate operational state.

I Asked Not To Be Weighed! Why I Never Weigh Myself Even At The Doctors

How can I tell if my scale is accurate?

Do bathroom scales wear out?

When a scale is properly maintained and protected, it can last for a very long time. It can deliver accurate measurements and resolution, and the indicator will consistently show a stable weight reading, even after heavy use. Eventually, however, you'll need to replace your scales.

Can I decline being weighed at the doctor?

Research supports that many individuals, especially women, are less likely to see their doctor because of uneasiness associated with being weighed. (1, 2) As a patient, you have the right to decline being weighed.

Can I request to not be weighed at the doctor?

Since your doctor may weigh you as a default and might have done so in past appointments, you may need to explain why you don't want to be weighed. Let's be clear: Like any medical procedure, you have the right to refuse. Previte says, "Let them know...that it can be harmful or triggering if you see (your weight).

Do doctors offices have to weigh you?

Unless there's some medical necessity, you don't have to be weighed every time you go to the doctor. For many struggling with body image, heading to the doctor for a specific health issue or even just a routine checkup is more stressful than it needs to be.

How accurate is a home scale?

' Scales are designed to measure weights of up to about 20 stone, and typically have a margin of error of about five per cent of that maximum weight. Five per cent of 20st is 1st — so any given measurement could be out by a similar factor.

Can digital scales be wrong?

In general, digital bathroom scales are more accurate than mechanical ones. But for the most accurate reading, any bathroom scale must be set up correctly and used consistently.

Which weight scale is most accurate?

The Etekcity EB9380H is one of the most accurate and precise digital bathroom scales we've tested. Many inexpensive bathroom scales respond reliably only to a weight change on the order of half a pound, or, as we found through our testing, will even pull your weight readings from memory without trying to measure you.

Can a scale be 20 pounds off?

Another factor is where you put your scale. A thick carpet or texture tile can decrease your number by 20 pounds or more. Try putting a barbell on your scale to test the accuracy. Weigh in the same spot at the same time to keep most other factors from coming into play.

Why do I weigh more on a digital scale?

Hard Surfaces Provides More Accurate Readings

That's because your weight needs to center directly on the scale itself. If placed on a softer surface like a towel or carpeted floor, your body weight will be distributed over the individual fibers in the material instead of concentrated on the scale itself.

How many pounds do you take off for your clothes when weighing yourself?

Men can lop off nearly 2.5 lbs to account for their clothing while women can only subtract around 2. And this holds true, unfortunately, no matter what the weather outside. So no more making allowances for that thick wool sweater. Now you know exactly how much your clothes weigh.

What top obesity doctors think you should know?

What unit do doctors weigh you in?

For many years, U.S. medical facilities have used the imperial system (pounds) to measure patients' weight. It's not uncommon for hospitals to use the imperial system when weighing patients, but then switch to the metric system for medication dosing.

What is the fear of scales called?

I have scale anxiety.

It's formally called gravitophobia, the fear of stepping on the scale. Dr. Yoni Freedhoff explained in Psychology Today that this fear tends to affect those who believe that weight management involves strict control.

Do gynecologists weigh you?

The Checkup

A nurse or medical assistant will take you into the exam room to weigh you and get your blood pressure. If the doctor is going to do a quick visual check of things like breast growth, you will be left alone to get undressed.

Why do psychiatrists weigh me?

A simple physical. Many psychiatrists will take your vitals on your first visit to establish a baseline. They will take your blood pressure and temperature and many will also weigh you. There is also the possibility of a blood draw.

Does moving a scale affect its accuracy?

Initializing the scale resets the internal parts allowing the scale to find the correct “zero” weight and ensure accurate readings. If the scale is moved and you do NOT calibrate it, you are likely to see fluctuations in your weight. Moving any digital scale can potentially affect accuracy and dependability.

Why does my scale keep jumping?

When a scale is gradually increasing or decreasing in weight on its own, it is experiencing drift. First, make sure that the scale is on a stable surface and that there are no outside factors that could be putting slight weight on the scale, like a fan or a busy work environment.

What is the proper way to weigh yourself?

Place your scale on a hard, even surface—no carpeting. A wobbly or tilted scale can result in an inaccurate reading. Stand still, with your weight distributed evenly on both feet. If you're using a body-fat scale, you should be barefoot.