So the dr. office scale was off from my scale today. Here's the thing, this is the second time a dr. office scale has been different from mine and those 2 numbers of difference are also different (1 scale a 5 lb. difference; 1 scale a 10 lb. difference). Should we just assume the dr.'s scale is right and ours are wrong? Or can the dr.'s scale be wrong?

I am not actually living and dying byt he numbers here -- just curious mostly.

Well, I suppose ANY scale can be wrong. If your doctor uses a standard scale I would assume that it is likely to be accurate since those are professionally calibrated (or should be) on a regular basis. If it is a digital scale it probably isn't any more likely to be accuate than one you use at home.

On top of that the variances could be a result of weighing at different times under different circumstances. At home, I weigh first thing in the morning with few if any clothes. At the doctor's office it is usually later in the day, after I've eaten at least one meal, and with clothes on. Like you I don't live by the numbers. I figure if I track my weight on the same scale no matter what I'll have an accurate view of how much I've lost - it doesn't really matter if the actual number is five or so pounds off. What matters is that the number is going DOWN.

Yes, any scale can be off. However, don't worry about the specific weight you are at a moment in time, just keep track of your progress using the same scale for consistency.

Anne

I have to echo everyone else... consistency is key! My Dr's scale was off 10 pounds from my scale at home, infact, according to my scale I lost 15 pounds, but the dr's scale said I was UP 5!! Evil scale!

-Aimee

I agree with everyone. My tip is, if it isn't a digital scale, check your scale's accuracy with a five pound bag of sugar or something that says the weight on it. Seems to me if your scales says five pounds and it's a five pound bag of sugar (or flour) then your scale is accurate.

Next time you go to the doctor and notice his scale is up be sure and mention it to the nurse and maybe she will say she's heard that alot. I think that I have heard that they have the scales checked on a regular basis. Who really knows?
Wait, better yet, carry the five pound bag of sugar to the doctors office

Oooh great idea Sarah! You know, the nurse did say that everyone has been saying that lately. Again, I don't want to get caught up in the numbers, but it can be annoying.

Paula, It is only a big deal if the scale is say five pounds off and that puts you in the "over weight" margin, when you are really in the "normal" margin.....