Weight loss: Wondering why you weigh less in the morning than later? Here’s the answer

When you are trying hard to shed kilos, it could be difficult to resist the temptation to measure your weight several times a day. It might be the first thing you would do in the morning after getting out of the bed and the last thing at night before hitting the hay.
 

First Published Dec 30, 2020, 3:55 PM IST

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But monitoring the weighing scale several times a day will only leave you disheartened, due to fluctuation in the numbers throughout the day and make you question if you are on the right path.

Weight fluctuation: First of all, you need to know that weight loss fluctuation is normal. If your weight fluctuates daily, then there is nothing to worry about or question your dietary choices. In general, our weight fluctuates throughout the day by 500 grams to 1 kilo. It all depends on when you had your meal or performed intense exercises or if you are menstruating. Your weight be a little lower in the morning as compared to evening and at night and there are several reasons behind this.

Dehydration: When we get up in the morning our body is basically dehydrated. For 7-8 hours while we are sleeping, we do not eat or drink anything. Moreover, all the water stored in the body is lost throughout the night. Even slight dehydration can equal a noticeable drop in weight. Drinking 2-3 glasses of water before going to bed will prevent dehydration and your number on the scale will be higher.

Water retention: Water retention in the body due to high sodium and carb intake can increase the number on your scale. Water retention can make you feel bloated, which may add on to your weight. In the morning, our stomach is empty, and the body's water is lost through sweat, respiration and urination. Due to these factors, we feel lighter.

Weighing on a full stomach: If you hop on the weighing scale immediately after having your meal then you will certainly be left disappointed. This is because your stomach is full, and the weight of the food also adds to your body weight.
 

Best time to weigh yourself: There is no benefit of weighing yourself several times a day. The best time to weigh yourself is in the morning on an empty stomach. For an accurate reading, step on the scale before eating and drinking anything, right after you poop.