Ways to Track Progress for Weight Loss part I

Oct 28, 2014 | Weight Management

When trying to achieve a weight loss goal our lives tend to end up revolving around what that number on the scale says. Unfortunately that number can seem to barely change and can lead to frustration and often abandonment of our weight loss goal. However, that number on the scale is just one of five ways to recognize progress towards weight loss.

The second way to track progress is through tracking body fat percentage. This is the ratio of the amount of fat to the amount of Lean Body Mass (LBM) one has in the body. LBM is essentially everything in the body that is not fat; like bones, muscles, and other organs. Your body fat percentage can usually be measured at a local fitness center. Measuring body fat during a weight loss program is important because fat weight is typically the weight we all want to lose. It is important to remember when comparing fat to muscle it is like comparing feathers to bricks. Even though 1 pound of each is all the same weight a pound of fat or feathers will take up much more space than a pound of bricks or muscle. Therefore a 5-10% drop in body fat even when maintaining the same weight can result in a drastic body composition change and often be the results we were looking for all along.

Another way to track progress is to take circumference measurements of certain body areas. The waist is the most obvious, but you can also measure and track the change in your arms, hips, and legs as well. The key things to remember when measuring are to make sure the measuring tape is following a straight or level line and to measure in the exact same spot each time.

These are just two more ways to track your progress in a weight loss program. Keep on the lookout for the next installment, or make it easier by clicking the subscribe button at the top of the article