Should you trust your SCALES?
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special|Issue 1, 2020
Weighing yourself may not be as helpful as you think. Now there are savvier ways to track progress
CLAIRE FOX
Should you trust your SCALES?

After embarking on a diet or fitness regime, nothing feels more of a success than seeing the number on the scales drop. But when that figure won’t budge or, worse, goes up, it can feel hopeless. As it turns out, however, not only can weighing ourselves be demoralising, it may be misleading.

More than a number

If jumping on the scales has become a habit, you’re not alone. Many people get fixated by the number on theirs, when what they need to do is change their body shape and health, advises dietitian Marcela Fiuza, a spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association (BDA). Exercising regularly and eating more healthily will help you visibly lose fat and gain muscle, but this might not always translate to the scales. ‘Since muscle weighs more than fat, your number on the scales might not change as much as you expect. If that is the only way you are measuring your progress, it can be misleading,’ says Marcela. Your weight can also fluctuate as a result of hormonal changes and water retention. ‘Depending where you are in your cycle, it can add or take 2kg, which is not representative of your fat mass,’ she says.

Getting the most from smart monitors

Stick to the same machine and take a measurement every four or eight weeks. ‘Keep the variables the same; same day, same time and, ideally, the same point in your menstrual cycle. Avoid using straight after exercising, which can affect accuracy,’ says Alastair Crew, head trainer at David Lloyd. Also use with caution. ‘If you’re prone to worrying about weight, a smart scale gives more numbers to obsess over and could potentially make the problem worse,’ warns Dr Joanna Silver, a therapist at Nightingale Hospital London.

Body composition

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WOMAN'S OWN LIFESTYLE SPECIALView all
Are You Feeling Overstretched?
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

Are You Feeling Overstretched?

It could be showing on your face. Emotional overload hits us all at some point and, in the past year, we’ve had plenty. Here’s how to cope...

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 6, 2021
Could 60 Be The New 40, And 70 The New 50?
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

Could 60 Be The New 40, And 70 The New 50?

Could 60 be the new 40, and 70 the new 50? These stars in their swimwear reveal how they look so good – however many birthdays they’ve had!

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 6, 2021
How To...Get The Most Out Of Your Face Mask
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

How To...Get The Most Out Of Your Face Mask

They’re the secret weapon that your face has long been crying out for. Get the low-down on the smart new skin-genius masks!

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 6, 2021
ME, ME, ME TIME!
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

ME, ME, ME TIME!

We all love a bit of self-care and these stars are no different…

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 6, 2021
Your Complete Guide To Macros
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

Your Complete Guide To Macros

They’ve become a buzzword for health and fitness gurus, but what are they? What role do they play in our nutrition? And how much attention should we pay to them?

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 1, 2020
‘My holiday pics helped me lose 12 STONE'
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

‘My holiday pics helped me lose 12 STONE'

After a major wake-up call, Kate Wood, 36, overhauled her diet, got fit and now runs virtual marathons

time-read
5 mins  |
Issue 1, 2020
‘I try to set an example to MY GIRLS'
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

‘I try to set an example to MY GIRLS'

Angela Griffin reveals why eating healthily is important when you have teenage daughters…

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 1, 2020
Slimming soups
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

Slimming soups

From restorative broth to creamy chicken soup, these hearty and healthy bowls are just what you need on a cold winter’s eve

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 1, 2020
Should you trust your SCALES?
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

Should you trust your SCALES?

Weighing yourself may not be as helpful as you think. Now there are savvier ways to track progress

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 1, 2020
Natural ways to survive the menopause
Woman's Own Lifestyle Special

Natural ways to survive the menopause

Feel 10 years younger with these natural ways to ease symptoms

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 8, 2020