How To Measure Weight Loss Progress Beyond the Scale

Are you familiar with the saying, “The scale never lies?” With so many factors that go into body weight, this little saying is only partly true.

As long as you have a properly working scale, you will find out how much you weigh, but the scale isn’t always the best way to measure weight loss results.

Factors like water weight, the time of day in which you step on the scale, and even muscle gain can cause the needle to fluctuate.

And when you’re trying to lose weight, watching the scale jump up and down can be a frustrating experience. 

Alternate (And Healthier) Ways to Measure Weight Loss Success

In order to maintain some sanity while working toward your weight-loss goals, consider measuring your success in these three simple ways:

Focus on Your Energy Levels 

When losing weight, you shouldn’t solely focus on how you want to look in the mirror. Weight loss should drive better overall health, and with that comes increased energy levels.

Focus on how your energy levels increase during your health transformation.

If you’ve just started getting more active, you may be tired for the first few days, but increasing activity will improve energy levels and boost weight loss.

Think about activities you perform regularly that may have had you out of breath or feeling tired after. Maybe it’s walking up your stairs at home or playing with your children.

Compare to how you feel now when you do those same activities. If you notice that these activities have become easier, you know that what you are doing is making a difference.

Clothes Fit Better

Even if the scale doesn’t seem to budge, if you notice that your favorite pair of jeans slide on easier, you’re definitely making a difference.

Paying attention to how your clothes look and feel can be a big confidence booster.

Weight gain and weight loss show differently from person to person, and your clothes can help you see where the changes initially happen.

You may start to notice a difference in the way your clothes fit first around your waist and thighs. Maybe your clothes fit looser first around your chest and arms.

Each person’s weight loss journey is different, and your clothes are a good indicator of how you’re making a positive change.

Take Measurements

Pounds lost might not always be the best way to go about measuring weight loss. Inches lost, on the other hand, can help you see just what kind of results you’re getting from your hard work.

Taking your measurements isn’t difficult and can be done in just a few minutes. Here’s a breakdown on how to do it properly: 

What You’ll Need: Flexible tape measure.

Right and left arm: Take your tape measure and measure the circumference of your upper arm, above your elbow, at the highest point of each bicep.

Chest: Take the tape measure and wrap it around your back, bringing it in front of you at bust line.

Waist: Wrap the tape measure around your back at the narrowest part of your abdomen, generally just above your belly button and hip bone. 

Hips: Bring your tape measure around the widest part of your hips. Make sure tape measure is roughly parallel to the floor for an accurate measurement.

Right and left thigh: While standing, wrap the tape measure around the fullest part of each upper leg.

Things to Remember Before Measuring:

·     Make sure the tape stays close to your skin without measuring too tightly.

·     Use a tape measure that is flexible but that doesn’t stretch.

·     Write down your measurements for comparison throughout your weight loss journey.

Measurements help you see the little changes that you may not notice. 

As you compare the numbers from the beginning to the end, you will see that there is a difference, and you can be happy about the progress you’ve made.

Measuring Success

As you work on your weight loss goals, you will see positive results. The scale doesn’t have to be your go-to.

By paying attention to your energy levels, to noticing how clothes fit, and taking measurements, you will begin to see just how successful your weight loss is.

Focus on those little wins, and combined you’ll achieve big results.