Measuring Weight Loss
Measuring weight loss is typically done with numbers. This is because numbers tend to seem more real and measurable. Generally, weight loss is determined by weighing and measuring circumference. Here is a look into how often to track weight loss, and the best method.
How Often Should I Weigh Myself?
The answer depends on you! There are many factors to consider when weighing yourself. The human body is a dynamic organism, constantly changing. It’s pretty incredible when you think about it! Our weight fluctuates throughout the day due to things like water retention, food choices, and even the need to urinate or have a bowel movement.
Weighing yourself daily can often lead to disappointment because of these daily variations in diet and metabolism. If you’re working toward a short-term goal, try weighing yourself once a week. For longer-term goals, weighing yourself every other week or even once a month might be a better approach.
Another common pitfall of using the scale as a primary measure of weight loss is that it doesn’t always reflect your true progress. While working out, particularly with strength training, your body may build muscle, which can actually cause your weight to increase— in a good way! Muscle is denser than fat, so even if the number on the scale goes up, your body composition is improving.
How often should I measure myself?
When it comes to measuring yourself, the same principles apply. It’s important to note that different body parts will respond differently to strength training. For example, your thighs and arms, which have large muscles, may firm up and even appear larger due to increased muscle mass. The abdomen, on the other hand, doesn’t typically “bulk up” with strength training, so you might notice fat loss there more easily. However, there are various forms of fat in the abdomen, which can make measurements skewed as well.
There is visceral fat which is contained under the muscle, around your organs. You cannot measure this fat directly, but it can be estimated based on other body composition factors. On the outside of the muscles, there is subcutaneous fat, or the fat you can touch. Every body has it and it helps provide a protective layer for the body. This is the fat that GLP-1 medications are injected into and tends to be the fat that is often judged for weight loss. With this in mind, fat loss is not targeted in one area. Even though you’re losing fat in your abdomen, it may not always be immediately visible, which can be discouraging.
The best way to measure weight loss!
Ultimately, the best measure of your progress is how you feel. Are your workouts becoming easier? Do you feel less winded? Are your mile times improving? Do you have more energy, better moods, and improved sleep? Constantly stressing over the numbers can lead to added anxiety, which might even hinder your progress or cause weight fluctuations. Focus on what makes you feel good and keep moving toward your goals! Contact us today to discuss your goals!
