How to Understand the Weight Scale

According to a weight researchers at the University of Minnesota, dieters who practiced daily weigh-ins lost more weight and kept it off longer than individuals who didn't weigh themselves on a regular basis. However, while digital scales are relatively easy for most people to read, the numbers on analog scales and doctor's scales are more challenging for the beginner to interpret. With a few tips and a little practice, you'll be able to easily understand the weight scale, regardless of how it is designed.

Things You'll Need

• Analog scale
• Physician's scale (for comparison)

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Instructions

Understanding Analog Scales

• 1

  Place your analog scale on an even, hard floor area, such as tile, wood or linoleum; avoid weighing on a carpeted floor. Make sure the scale sits flat and does not wobble, and place it far enough from walls to allow shoulder room.

• 2

  Step on the scale and distribute your weight evenly between both feet. Hold still until the needle of the scale stops moving.

• 3

  Observe the position of the needle and note the closest number; if the needle does not fall directly on a number, note the closest number to the left of the needle. This number is closest to your actual weight.

• 4

  Count the unnumbered lines from the number at the left of the needle's position to the needle itself. Each of these lines represents 1 lb. Add the number of lines you count to the larger number. For example, If the closest number to the left of the needle is 150, and the needle rests at the fifth line to the right of the 150 mark, add five to 150 for a weight reading of 155 lbs.

Understanding a Physician's Scale

• 5

  Step on a physician's scale and move the larger weight to the 50 lb. increment that is closest to your estimated weight without going over.

• 6

  Move the smaller balance weight on the top of the scale to the right, slowly, until the balance beam is perfectly parallel. You will know you have weighed correctly when the pointer on the balance beam hovers between the top and bottom of the metal tab at the right without touching the tab.

• 7

  Add the weight measurement of the larger balance weight to the measurement on the smaller weight. For example, if the larger weight rests at 150 and the smaller rests at 35, your weight is 185.