Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
Why should I weigh myself? —
Your doctor or nurse might ask you to weigh yourself to monitor a health condition. For example, if you:
●Have heart failure – Weighing yourself every day might be part of your heart failure action plan.
●Are trying to gain or lose weight – Weighing yourself often can help you check if you are meeting your weight goals. Your doctor might ask you to weigh yourself every day, week, or month.
How do I weigh myself? —
Each time you weigh yourself:
●Weigh yourself in the morning after urinating and before eating, drinking, or bathing. Try to weigh yourself around the same time.
●Wear about the same amount of clothing (or wear nothing). Do not wear shoes (or always wear the same shoes).
●Use the same scale every time. To make sure the reading is accurate, keep it on a flat surface:
•Do not put the scale on carpet or uneven floors.
•If the scale is on tile, make sure it is on an even part of the floor.
●Do not hold onto anything when you weigh yourself. If you have trouble with balance, use a grab bar or walker to help yourself step on the scale. Only let go once you are balanced.
●Keep a chart near the scale, and write down your weight (form 1). You can also use a smartphone app to keep track of your weight each day.
●If your doctor or nurse gave you an action plan, check if your new weight means you should take action. If so, follow your action plan.
What else should I know? —
It is normal for your weight to change over the day as you eat, drink, move your body, and go to the bathroom. This is why it is important to weigh yourself the same way every time.
Even if you weigh yourself the same way every day, it is normal for your weight to change by about 1 to 2 pounds (about 0.5 to 1 kilograms) from day to day.
If you are trying to lose weight, it can be frustrating if your weight goes up and down from day to day. Instead, try to pay attention to the numbers from week to week or month to month. These numbers are more likely to show the change you are working toward.
When should I call the doctor? —
Your doctor or nurse will tell you how much weight change is concerning. For example, for most people with heart failure, a weight gain of 2 to 3 pounds (about 1 to 1.5 kilograms) in 1 day is cause for concern. Gaining 5 pounds (about 2.5 kilograms) in 1 week is also a bad sign.
For people with heart failure, weight gains like these are often signs your body is holding onto extra fluid. Your doctor might make changes to your treatment plan.
Patient education: Keeping track of your weight (The Basics)
Patient education: Heart failure action plan (The Basics)
Patient education: Heart failure (The Basics)
Patient education: Understanding body mass index (BMI) (The Basics)
Patient education: Health risks of obesity (The Basics)
Patient education: Weight and health in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Weight loss treatments (The Basics)
Patient education: Heart failure (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Losing weight (Beyond the Basics)
