Day-to-day variation in body weights of children

Abstract

Day-to-day fluctuations in the body weights on five consecutive days of 54 boys and 50 girls aged between 2 and 6 years were measured. The standard deviation of the body weights over this period were of the order of +/- 0-2 kg in boys and girls. On the basis of these findings, it is suggested that only loss or gain in body weights of more than twice this amount should be taken as indicative of real change.