5 reasons to stop using the weighing scales
Using the weighing scales to measure fat loss isn’t for everyone. If you are the type of person that stands on the scales and that dictates your mood for the day, then you would likely benefit from not using it for a while (or forever). It’s a metric that can help with weight loss, but in some cases it can negatively impact your mental health. As a Personal Trainer for over five years now some of my clients weigh daily, some 2-3 times a week and some don’t use the scales at all.
It really is individual specific, so if you feel the scale is causing you more harm than it is good, don’t be afraid to step away from it. And if you’re part of a plan, programme or with a coach who insists you must use the scales then that’s a red flag. (Given you’ve made them aware how it makes you feel).
Using the scales as a form of progress isn’t for everyone. Obsessively weighing yourself or allowing your fluctuating weight to impact your mood isn’t helpful. If the number on the scale is making you change your behaviour in the immediate term, it’s a sign something isn’t working. It’s a metric that can help with weight loss. But in some cases it can negatively impact your mental health and well being. But how do you know if you should or shouldn’t use it?
1.The scales effects your mood for the day
If you feel the scale is causing you more harm than good. A break could be helpful. If using the scales causes you pain, emotional distress or guilt please consider chucking it out the window. There is far more to life than the number on the scales and lots of other ways to monitor your progress and health!
2. The daily fluctuations don’t bother you
When you weigh yourself daily and the see the numbers trending up and down it can be challenging. If you can do this and the fluctuations don’t bother you that is a good sign you can use the scale well. If the daily fluctuations do bother you that is a sign you shouldn’t be weighing yourself .
3. Weight gain makes you panic
Like I mentioned in my blog post about how to use the weighing scales it takes time and weight loss isn’t linear.
“Bare in mind that it can take up to 21 days to see a change in weight once making changes to food, exercise or lifestyle so don’t get disheartened if it isn’t moving right away.
For you ladies – if you are comparing an average of a week, compare it to a week at the same side of your menstrual cycle as this will be the only accurate way to compare your weight, expect it to be the lightest at the end of a cycle and heaviest during.
Real, sustainable weight loss will take a bit of time so don’t aim for rapid changes in weight and be realistic.”
4. You obsess over your weight
Many of us can link our value and worth with our scale weight. Blaming yourself for your weight affects more than just your progress — it also erodes your feeling of self-worth and your dignity. Shame isn’t a motivator. If stepping onto the scale makes you have negative thoughts about yourself, it’s a sign you need to step away. The number on it doesn’t say anything about your worth or value — it’s just a number, literally. As referenced in this blog weight occupation is a major sign to step away from the scales and use other forms of progress to measure you health and fitness journey.
5. You are emotionally affected by your weight gain
Instead of worrying about which weighing scale is more accurate or what time of the day to weight yourself try to think about your emotional wellbeing. If gaining weight or daily fluctuations leads to feelings of pain, distress or guilt consider stepping away. There is far more to life than the number on the scales and lots of other ways to monitor your progress and health!
You might also find this episode of the podcast helpful.
