Does a Shower Really Change Your Weight?

On her weekly radio show on 103fm, dietitian Dr. Maya Roseman answered a question many people wonder about: does weighing yourself after a shower affect the number on the scale?

Her answer: yes but only a little.

Dr. Roseman explained that while many people weigh themselves every day, those results aren’t always accurate. One reason? Wet hair can absorb water and add a few grams, sometimes up to 200 grams. Moisture on your skin after a hot shower might also add a tiny bit. Plus, the heat from a shower can cause light sweating, which could cause a small drop in weight.

So when is the best time to weigh yourself?

Dr. Roseman recommends choosing one day a week and sticking to the same time. That way, you’re less likely to get confused or frustrated by small changes. She says the best time is in the morning before eating or drinking and after you've used the bathroom. This gives you the clearest picture of your actual weight.

She also mentioned other things that can affect your weight even more than a shower. For example, if you're constipated, that can show up as a higher number on the scale. Eating a heavy meal the night before especially one full of carbs or salty foods can also cause your body to hold onto more water. Women may also see changes due to hormonal shifts.

In the end, Dr. Roseman said that while a shower might change your weight a little, what really matters are your eating habits, how much water you’re holding, and your body’s natural rhythms. So weigh yourself at the same time each week, and take the number with a grain of salt.