Is Weighing Yourself More Harmful Than Helpful?
Professor Clare Collins, Director of Research for the School of Health Sciences at Newcastle University, has analysed research studies regarding self-weighing, and has found that its helpfulness is dependent on your life stage, pre-existing health conditions, and your mental well-being. Whilst most research studies have concluded that self-weighing is not recommended for adolescent girls as it can negatively impact upon their self-image and mental health, it does in fact serve as an inexpensive technique helpful with weight loss and maintenance for men. And in terms of how often it is helpful to step on the scales, a review of 24 randomised controlled trials found that there was no difference in weight loss between those who weighed themselves daily versus weekly. Clare herself joined us on The Daily to discuss self-weighing and these research studies further.
For more of Clare’s work go to: https://theconversation.com/columns/clare-collins-7316
