A study published in the December issue of the Annals of
Behavioral Medicine, and reported here in the LAT, finds that
dieters who weighed themselves regularly shed more pounds over a
24-month period than people who didn't regularly weigh
themselves. Those who weighed themselves daily lost the most.
Many health professionals still question this daily weigh in
advice, but at least in this study, it appears to work.
(Coincidentally, we devote an entire chapter to the importance
of daily weigh ins in our forthcoming getfitsource.com health
and fitness book.) In addition to much else in the article,
which you should read in full, the following mechancal weigh in
tips are reported: * To minimize variation, always weigh at the
same time of day, such as in the morning just after having used
the bathroom.
* If you are weighing yourself daily, understand that your
weight will vary day to day. It's the trend that's important.
You may find it useful to make a graph of your weight.
* Put the scale on a flat, uncarpeted surface so the readings
don't wobble.
* Use a scale that is consistent, giving the same weight when
you step on, then off, then on again. That's more important than
the type of scale you buy. Use the same scale each time.
* Don't get fixated on the scale. Monitor your body change in
other ways, such as the fit of your clothes, a tape measure or
how you physically feel.
* To the best of your ability, try to gauge how the weighing
makes you feel, and if it is reinforcing -- or undermining --
your efforts.
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