How to Read a Bathroom Scale

Bathroom scales are easy to read.

With child and adult obesity on the rise in America, many families are implementing home weight-loss programs. A healthy diet with moderate intake of carbohydrates and sweets coupled with an increase in exercise are two powerful and effective ways to lose weight and keep it off. Another weapon in the battle of the bulge is a bathroom scale. Bathroom scales are easy to use and read, and will help keep you focused on your final weight goal.

Instructions

1. Choose a specific weighing time. For consistency, weigh yourself at the same time of day such as when you wake.

2. Activate the scale. For an accurate reading of a digital bathroom scale, lightly press on the scale with one foot until the display reads "0" or "0.0." Remove your foot. You do not need to do this for a rotary scale.

3. Step onto the scale with both feet. Stand normally on the scale. For an accurate reading, don't lean on a nearby wall or countertop. Stand still.

4. Read the numbers. Wait for the rotary numbers to stop moving, or for a digital scale to stop flashing and show your weight. The number showing on a digital scale or the number where the needle is pointing is how much you weigh. If you cannot see the numbers, have a family member look and read them to you.

5. Step off the scale. Step back on the scale as you did in Step 3 to make sure you get the same reading as the first time.

Tips & Warnings

• Stepping off the scale should reset it to "0."

• Place a hand weight on the scale to make sure your scale is accurate. The hand weight should have a printed weight on the ends.

References

• Bally Total Fitness: When to Weigh Yourself

Resources

• WebMD: Healthy Eating & Diet: Losing Weight