How do I change the weight unit on MyFitnessPal?

Over 90% of countries use the metric system, yet many apps default to Imperial units. If you're wondering, "how do I change the weight unit on MyFitnessPal?" this article will guide you through the process, ensuring your data is always in the format you prefer. Adjusting this setting is a simple process that can be done on the mobile app or via the website.

Quick Summary

This article provides a comprehensive tutorial for changing your weight unit settings on MyFitnessPal for both mobile app and desktop users. It outlines the specific steps required to update your profile settings and switch between Imperial, Metric, and Stone weight measurements. The guide also covers how to update past weight entries to reflect the new units.

Key Points

• Mobile App Settings: For both iOS and Android, the weight unit can be changed in the 'Settings' section of your profile.

• Website Syncing: Changes made on the MyFitnessPal website will automatically sync and update the settings on your mobile app.

• Past Entries Update: MyFitnessPal automatically converts all your past weight measurements to the new unit after you change the setting.

• Food Unit Distinction: Changing your overall weight unit does not affect the measurement units for individual food items. These must be selected separately when logging food.

• User Experience: Customizing your weight units creates a more accurate and personalized tracking experience, removing the need for manual conversions.

Changing Weight Units on the MyFitnessPal Mobile App

For most users, the mobile app is the primary way to interact with MyFitnessPal. Fortunately, the process for changing your weight units is straightforward, whether you're on an iOS or Android device.

For iOS Devices (iPhone and iPad)

1. Open the MyFitnessPal app and log in to your account.
2. Tap the 'More' icon in the bottom-right corner of the navigation bar. This looks like three horizontal dots or lines.
3. Navigate to Settings from the menu that appears.
4. Tap 'Edit Profile'. On newer versions, you may need to tap your profile photo first.
5. Select 'Units' from the list of profile options.
6. Find the 'Weight' setting and tap on it. You will see a list of available unit options, including kilograms (kg), pounds (lbs), and stones/pounds.
7. Choose your desired weight unit and tap 'Confirm' or 'Save'. The app will automatically convert your existing weight entries to the new unit.

For Android Devices

1. Launch the MyFitnessPal app and sign in.
2. Tap the 'More' icon, which is typically in the bottom-right corner.
3. Go to 'Settings' and then 'My Account'.
4. Select 'Edit Profile'.
5. Tap the 'Units' field to open the measurement options.
6. Change the 'Weight' unit to your preferred format (kg, lbs, or stones).
7. Press 'OK' or the checkmark icon to save your new settings. Your weight data will be updated across your account.

Changing Weight Units on the MyFitnessPal Website

For those who prefer a desktop experience or need to make adjustments that aren't available on the mobile app, the website provides another pathway. Changing the units via the website will automatically sync the changes to your mobile app.

1. Log in to your account at www.myfitnesspal.com.
2. Click on 'My Home' in the top menu bar.
3. Select 'Settings' from the drop-down menu.
4. Click on 'Change Units' on the left-hand side of the page.
5. Use the drop-down menus to select your desired unit for weight.
6. Click 'Save Changes' to finalize the update.

Managing Past Entries and Food Units

Changing your account's primary weight unit will convert past weight measurements, but it will not change the serving size units for food entries. For example, if you change your units from Imperial to Metric, food logged in ounces will not automatically switch to grams.

• To update past weight entries, especially if the conversion appears incorrect, use the web portal. Go to 'My Home' -> 'Check-in' -> 'Edit Previous Entries' to manually adjust or delete specific weigh-ins.
• To log food in a different unit, you may need to find a different entry in the food database. Many foods have multiple entries logged by users, some in grams and others in ounces. Search for an entry that uses your desired unit.
• Create your own entry if you can't find one in the correct unit. This gives you full control over the measurement, ensuring accuracy.

Imperial vs. Metric for Weight Tracking

Choosing between Imperial and Metric units for tracking weight depends on personal preference and your environment. Each has distinct characteristics that can impact the tracking experience.

Feature	Imperial (lbs, stones)	Metric (kg)
Measurement System	Less consistent (based on different number systems)	Consistent and coherent (based on decimal numbers)
Calculations	Can be more complicated, especially with percentages or fractions	Easier to perform calculations due to its base-10 nature
Global Usage	Primarily used in the United States and some other regions	The global standard, used in over 90% of countries
Precision	Can feel less precise with large ranges, using awkward fractions	Handles very large and small quantities with easy-to-remember prefixes

Conclusion: A Seamless Tracking Experience

Adjusting your weight units in MyFitnessPal is a simple and fast process that can be done on both the mobile app and website. While the platform excels at converting weight entries, it's important to be aware of the nuances with food logging units, which may require a manual search or custom entry. Taking the time to set your units correctly ensures that your health data is presented clearly and accurately, allowing for a more focused and seamless tracking experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your MyFitnessPal account is perfectly aligned with your tracking preferences, whether you prefer pounds, kilograms, or stones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my weight unit on the MyFitnessPal mobile app?

Yes, you can easily change your weight unit by navigating to the 'Settings' menu within your profile on both the iOS and Android versions of the MyFitnessPal app.

Will my past weigh-ins change when I update the weight unit?

Yes, once you change the weight unit in your account settings, MyFitnessPal will automatically convert and display all your historical weigh-ins in the newly selected unit.

How do I change the weight unit on the MyFitnessPal website?

To change it on the website, log in and go to 'My Home', then 'Settings', and finally 'Change Units'. You can select your preferred weight unit there.

Why didn't my food logging unit change after I updated my profile unit?

The weight unit for your food database is separate from your profile settings. For specific food items, you must find or create an entry that uses your preferred serving size, such as grams or ounces.

How can I edit a specific past weight entry?

You can edit or delete individual past weigh-ins by logging into the MyFitnessPal website. Go to 'My Home', then 'Check-in', and click 'Edit Previous Entries'.

What if my mobile app doesn't show the correct units after I change them?

If you've changed the units on the website and the mobile app isn't updating, try closing and reopening the app to force a sync. If the problem persists, ensure your app is up-to-date.

Can I use both Imperial and Metric units for different measurements?

Yes, in the 'Units' section of your profile, you can set different units for various measurements like weight, height, distance, and energy according to your preference.