Losing five pounds, is it even theoretically possible to measure this?

Question

So many people say, I want to lose five pounds, but between daily weight fluctuations and uncertainty of bathroom scales is it even possible to know your weight to within 5 pounds of accuracy?

haha, hevans that was such a engineering answer

Answer 1

Of course it is possible. You need (1) an accurate weighing device and (2) a naked body. Place naked body on accurate weighing device and record the weight. Repeat at desired intervals. Plot results. A five pound loss (or gain) should be easily discernable.

Answer 2

It likely would be more accurate to say lose approximately 5 pounds. Since home scales may be adjustable and also out of adjustment the weight may not be as accurate as the change measured from day to day. Measure weight at the same time of day (either hydrated or dehydrated, etc.) to avoid some error. "A pint is a pound the world around" and since most people barely float in water, each pound on the scale represents about a pound of blood or tissue. Weigh yourself with and without say a gallon container (8 pints and pounds) of water and see how accurately the scale determines the difference. Also visualize that amount of weight on your body (waist?). My electronic scale seems to add about one pound for a second immediate reading so there are possible instrument errors.

Answer 3

Do the measuring part with an empty stomach, say in the morning before you eat your breakfast. You'll get a figure between 0.5 pounds more or less than the real value.
And a personalized scale is not extremely trustworthy. Try measuring your weight in the market unless you are voluptuous and people stare as soon as you get on the weighing machine.