Why do I weigh less in the morning?
- Amber*

At night while we sleep, our bodies have a chance to get back into balance. Excess fluid that has accumulated during the day moves from the body's cells into the bloodstream, where it makes its way to the kidneys. In the morning, when we get up, we get rid of this extra fluid by peeing. That's why, when people weigh themselves after using the bathroom in the morning, they're generally at their lowest weight of the day.

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: May 2010

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.