Stepping on a scale to check your body weight can be a scary thing for some. If the number on the scale is not of your liking, it is enough to spoil one’s mood for the entire day. Due to this, some people avoid the scale altogether. Ignorance is bliss, they say. I would rather not know.
However, of the key factors in maintaining a healthy body weight is regular monitoring of one’s weight on the scale, as found by the population studies from the US National Weight Control Registry (NWCR), where they try to identify what are the common traits of successful weight losers and maintainers.
Some do it daily, some go for weekly or monthly. The important thing is, you need to weigh yourself regularly so that you are aware of your current state and to keep yourself accountable. Self-perception of one’s weight can be deceiving and subjective. Whereas, numbers are more objective and specific (You can’t argue with numbers).
That’s the first part.
The other half of the equation is to take the necessary corrective action when you notice the number is not to your liking. Set a red line that you won’t allow your weight to cross.
For example, define a stable body weight that you are comfortable and happy with (E.g. 72-74 kg). Set a red line of body weight (E.g. 76kg) where you will start to feel noticeable differences (e.g. tighter pants, bulging waist or rounder face). During your regular body weight monitoring, promise yourself that you will take the necessary actions if your weight is nearing that predetermined red line. This can be a session with the dietitian, signing up for gym class, cutting down on desserts, bouts of intermittent fasting or even considering prescription medications. Any measures necessary to distance the weight from the red line.
Hence, in order to do this, you need to be aware of your stable body weight which can only be known if you weigh yourself regularly.
How often to weigh? Well, it depends on your personality. If you are the meticulous type that needs the daily weighing number to keep yourself in line, by all means go for it. If you are the type that are so easily stressed by weight fluctuations, go for weekly or biweekly weigh-in to give a more stable assessment. Don’t space them out for too long as it will be harder to course correct if too much damage has occurred.
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