Measuring Your Weight Loss

The Scale

Weighing scales are the most popular mode to measure weight across the globe. These scales many a times leave us in a dilemma; we have followed a diet stuck to our exercise but haven’t lost a single pound. On the contrary we end up putting on a couple of pounds. This is because weighing scales don’t show us the entire picture.

Scales are not able to differentiate between mass and muscle. When one starts to exercise s/he tends to lose fat and gain muscle (which are heavier than mass), hence the scale shows a gain of a couple of pounds. Water, food, muscles, constipation, etc. can rise your weight by 10 lbs in just one day (This is obviously a temporary weight gain).

You should check your weight in the morning, and should do it on a weekly than a daily basis.

Other Techniques to Measure weight loss:

Muscle-Fat Ratio:

Muscle-fat ratio is a better indicator of weight loss than a weighing scale. This is a scientific procedure and there are various techniques for measuring the ratio of muscle to fat.

Body Mass Index (BMI):

Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculator the ratio of height is to weight. This system has its benefits as well as limitations. BMI doesn’t give complete analysis especially in case of athletes, kids, old people, pregnant woman etc.

Taking Your Measurements:

The best and the most simple indicator or weight loss is measuring your bust, waist, hips, upper arm, thigh, calf, and ankle with a simple tape and record the inches lost. These are more positive indicators. While measuring try wearing tight fitting clothes or not clothes at all.

Change in cloth size:

Clothes never lie, if you fit in your old denims once again or have started buying size 12 instead of 14, you are on the right track.

Compliments from family and friends:

When compliments start flowing it is proof enough that you have started losing weight and people are noticing the difference.

New improved healthy you:

If doctor reports don’t scare you anymore, your stamina has risen and you can exercise for longer than before, you are leading towards a healthier and lighter life. Keep it up!!!