How to Record Weight Loss
Keeping a record of your weight loss is an efficient way to stay on track when you are trying to lose weight. Doing so may be the single most important tool to manage long-term weight loss, according to the Medical University of South Carolina. There is no other way to be sure you are progressing in a timely and appropriate manner. Instead of obsessing over what could be wrong when the scale does not budge for a week, you can simply refer back to your weight loss records over the last months and look at the big picture.
Instructions
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Find a website that offers tools for you to manage your weight. There are several available online. Skinnyr.com is a good one (see resources), where you can register for free and use its services. For example, you can keep a chart of your weight using their free graph software.
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Decide whether you want to use the graph on your computer or if you prefer a printed version. It may be a good idea to print it out and tape it up someplace where you will not be able to miss it, as consistency is key for your weight tracking to be accurate.
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Find a scale that you know for sure is accurate. According to the Medical University of South Carolina, all you need to do is to "get on and off it at least three times to see that it gives a consistent reading."
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Weigh yourself in a consistent manner, be it daily or weekly. This is entirely up to you. If you are looking to lose weight slowly, weekly is probably the best option. Once you have picked one approach, stick with it.
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Enter your weight in the space made for that particular day or week. Make a dot above each number. When you have entered at least five dots, draw a line in between each dot so that they are connected. You will now be able to get a good idea of how you are doing.
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Tips & Warnings
Be patient. Keep in mind that people often lose weight more quickly in the beginning of a weight loss program, especially if they are very heavy. Men tend to lose weight more easily than do women. Some weeks you may lose more than others.
