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WEIGHT

Weighing oneself is another lifestyle change that may take some time to get used to, but it's very important that it be done EVERY day.

Make sure that your loved one has a scale, and if not, talk to the doctor about how the VA can help to get one. The same scale should be used every day, should be placed on a hard, flat surface (like a bathroom floor) and should have large enough numbers so it can be read while standing on it. The best time of day for a weigh-in is in the morning, after getting up and going to the bathroom, but before eating breakfast.

Weight should be written down right after weighing oneself. Purchase a notebook or pad of paper and a pen to keep next to the scale. You can help create a chart with columns for date, weight, and any other comments. If a day is missed, leave a blank space and write down the weight the next day in the next space. This weight chart should be brought to all doctor appointments.