Ever since weight loss scales switched to digital, reading them has been pretty straightforward. However, a couple of factors can lead to inconsistent readings, and it can be difficult to track your weight. To prevent the above, here is a guide on how to read a digital body weight scale properly.
How to Read a Digital Body Weight Scale?
Most digital weight scales automatically calibrate themselves when they shut off. But this only works if they are kept in the same place. Therefore, if you want to read your weight, all you need to do is step on the scale and take note of the readings.
However, if you don’t have a suitable place within the bathroom to permanently place your digital weight scale, you may have to store it in a cabinet or shelf. Doing so often results in the recalibration of the scale, which may include its weight, therefore throwing your measurement off by several pounds.
To get a proper reading, always place the scale on a hard surface. Don’t step on it right away. Place only one foot to wake the scale and let it turn on. Remove your foot after two or three seconds. Wait for the readings to go back to zero before placing both feet on top. Then read the measurements provided.
Like any other device in your home, if you want to get accurate readings, it’s important to invest in a quality weight scale. If you go for a low-quality weight scale, you may get inconsistent readings, which can be pretty inconvenient.
Tips on How to Get Accurate Readings from a Digital Body Weight Scale
To ensure the readings you are getting from your digital body weight scale are correct, here are a few things you need to keep in mind.
- The scale should always be placed on a flat and hard surface. If placed on a soft floor such as a carpet, vinyl or linoleum, the cushion beneath will throw off the readings. The best place to put a digital body weight scale is on top of tiles, wood or concrete floors. While we are still discussing floors, never place a scale on a slippery floor. That may lead to serious accidents.
- This second tip doesn’t directly affect the weight scale, but it also ensures you get accurate readings. When you weigh yourself at the same time every day and week, you are assured of getting correct and consistent readings.
- Always remember to calibrate the scale after moving it. When a digital scale is moved, it needs to reset its operating mechanism. When you weigh yourself without calibrating the scale, it may add its weight to yours. Step on a digital body weight scale with one foot for two seconds to calibrate it. Remove your foot and wait until the reading goes to 0.00.
- It’s a good idea always to remember when you bought your digital weighing scale. Like other electronics, digital body weight scales are vulnerable to wear and tear. After some time, the sensors get spoilt. It’s advisable always to know when it’s time for an upgrade.
- Another pro tip for properly reading a digital body weight scale is to step on it barefoot. Shoes and socks can add more weight to the readings. The same applies to heavy clothing. This is why weighing scales are usually placed in the bathroom.
- You also need to know that readings taken after dehydration, dieting or exercising can be misleading. The best time to read your weight is immediately when you wake up.
What’s the Benefit of Learning How to Accurately Read a Digital Weight Scale?
Because of how easily digital weight scales work, most people aren’t usually keen when weighing themselves on these devices. Minor errors, such as not calibrating the scale, can throw off your weight reading by considerable margins.
Five to ten pounds may not seem like a lot. But for a person trying to lose weight, inconsistent readings can make it challenging to track progress. And if you keep on seeing variations, you may give up in between, yet you were on the right path.
Due to the above reasons, everyone in your household should learn how to correctly read a digital weight scale. Feel free to share with them the above guidelines and tips.
Are Digital Body Weight Scales More Accurate than Analog?
We can’t undermine analogue body weight scales because they have served us for years. However, digital body weight scales are more accurate than their analog counterparts. A lot of research has been done on this. And the results have been in favor of digital weight scales. Analog scales tend to have varying readings, even though the margins are relatively small.
Other than accuracy, digital weight scales such as the YUNMAI premium smart scale also measure bone mass, hydration, muscle mass, BMI, body fat and much more. Therefore, the digital versions offer more measurements which are crucial during your weight loss journey.
Final Thoughts
From the above guide on how to read a digital body weight scale, you can agree that it’s fairly easy. However, to get accurate readings, follow the tips we have shared with you.