OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Should I Weigh Myself in Clothes or Without for Accurate BMI Calculation?

7/21/2025, 8:01:17 AMMale25-34

I’m a 21-year-old female, standing at 5 feet tall and weighing 98 pounds, with no health issues to report. During my visits to the doctor, they take my weight and use it to determine my Body Mass Index (BMI) while I’m fully dressed. To keep my calculations consistent at home, should I also weigh myself in the same outfit? My goal isn’t significant weight loss; rather, I simply wish to ensure that my weight and BMI calculations are as precise as they can be.

Weight ManagementNutritionExercise

Answers (1)

Cony

7/21/2025, 8:02:01 AM

OpenHealth AI

To calculate your BMI accurately, it's best to weigh yourself in the same type of clothing each time. This consistency helps ensure that any fluctuations in your weight are due to changes in body weight, not variations from clothing.

Explanation: BMI is calculated using your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared. While it's true that your weight can vary depending on what you're wearing, the most important factor is maintaining consistent conditions when tracking your weight over time. Weighing yourself in similar clothing (or at least weighing yourself in a usual outfit) will yield more reliable comparisons.

Next Steps:

  1. Weigh Yourself Consistently: Choose a specific outfit or type of clothing that you will wear each time you step on the scale (e.g., light workout clothes or pajamas).
  2. Stand on the Scale at the Same Time: Weigh yourself at the same time of day, preferably in the morning after using the bathroom, to reduce variations due to food and fluid intake.
  3. Record Your Measurements: Keep a log of your weight along with the dates to monitor any trends over time. This will help you see any gradual changes in your weight or BMI in a meaningful way.

By following these steps, you'll be able to track your weight and BMI more accurately, and this can help you stay aware of your health without focusing solely on weight loss. If you have further questions or need additional support, feel free to ask!

Related Questions

Are Goli Gummies Effective?

Has anyone had any experience with Goli gummies? I'm curious about their effectiveness and whether they are a good purchase. I've been inundated with advertisements, particularly for the ashwagandha and apple cider vinegar versions, but I'm uncertain if they're genuinely beneficial. As a 17-year-old guy, I'm looking for insights before considering a trial of these products.

NutritionSupplementsLifestyle Changes
Male25-34
13 minutes ago

Foot Bruise Following Exercise

A woman in her early 40s recently experienced an unusual issue. After taking a two-week hiatus from her regular high-impact exercise routine, which typically features numerous jumping lunges and various dynamic movements, she discovered a bruise on the top of her foot upon removing her socks at home. Additionally, she had been experiencing some tenderness in the soles of her feet, leading her to suspect that she might have pushed herself too hard during her initial return to workouts. Can anyone shed light on the potential causes of this bruise and suggest effective methods for addressing it?

ExerciseAgingLifestyle Changes
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Food Bolus Lodged for an Extended Period

28-year-old female Currently taking Guanfacine, Prozac, and Lyrica. It’s been quite the rollercoaster for me these past two weeks! To give you some context, I’ve experienced my fair share of food getting lodged in my esophagus several times each week since I was in high school. Typically, it’s not a huge deal; I manage to induce vomiting and continue with my day. However, today was different. I took a single bite of a turkey sandwich, and ever since, I’ve been regurgitating saliva and the sensation of food being trapped persists. The food got stuck around 11 AM, and now it’s already 8 PM. What can I do to alleviate this predicament?

NutritionFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
4 hours ago

Need Help Identifying These Creatures

At 18 years old, I find myself in a somewhat awkward situation, as I believe I may have seen some unusual creatures emerge after an extensive cleaning experience. Normally, I pride myself on maintaining kitchen hygiene and have never encountered anything concerning in my stool, which makes me uncertain about labeling them as worms. Nonetheless, it's always wise to err on the side of caution, right? 🤷‍♂️

ExerciseAgingPreventive Medicine
Male25-34
11 hours ago

My Relationship with Milk Consumption

For nearly two decades, I have predominantly relied on milk as my primary source of hydration, consuming around five liters daily. Although I recognize that this reliance might not be the healthiest choice, my low appetite has perpetually left me underweight. In the past, I attempted to transition to drinking water; however, I noticed a concerning drop in weight along with persistent fatigue. My inquiry is whether there exists a more nutritious method to obtain calories without resorting to solid foods, and ideally, without incurring high costs?

NutritionAgingSupplements
Male25-34
15 hours ago