Important Information Concerning
Weight Management
Your scale is the best tool for monitoring weight. While not the only measure
of weight loss, scales are the most popular method used to gauge weight-loss
success. A scale measures the sum of your total body weight, which includes
bone, muscle, fat, and water.
Body weight fluctuates during the day, and from day to day, depending on
a variety of factors.
• Salt and carbohydrate intake can affect the body’s water retention.
• A large meal adds weight and can cause water retention.
• Dehydration from exercise, illness, or low fluid intake can result in weight loss.
• Muscle is also a factor. Heavy-duty resistance training can build muscle, which
can affect weight.
• The menstrual cycle can cause temporary weight gains and losses.
When You’re Losing Weight
It’s important not to put too much stock in the exact number on the scale,
because it can and will vary. This is especially true when you’re dieting. Small
weight gains and losses are common as your body adjusts to fewer calories and
more exercise. Your scale is a valuable tool when used to track weight over a
period of weeks and months. Be aware that different scales often give different
results. The scale at your doctor’s office may show one weight, and your scale at
home another.
So don’t get too caught up with a single number.
Don’t Overdo It!
A surefire way to get overly concerned with your weight is to weigh yourself too
often. We generally recommend weighing yourself no more than once a week
when you’re dieting. Though it’s hard to stick to this pattern, it’s the best way to
prevent unnecessary concern with normal weight fluctuations, which are unrelated
to your weight-loss efforts. Regardless of your weighing habits, it’s important that
you’re consistent.
Here are 5 rules for effectively monitoring your weight – weigh yourself:
• Once a week, on the same day of the week
• At the same time of day
• In the same place
• Wearing the same clothes
• Using the same scale
To keep track of your weight, record only one number for the week.
This will give you a clear picture of any trend your weight is following.
Make the most of it!
To summarize, make the most of the body fat analysis feature by:
• Tracking change over time and not day to day.
• Using the same scale as much as possible.
• Being extra-consistent in the time of day, day of the week, time before or after
food and fluid consumption, before or after exercise, etc., when measuring body
fat composition.
Always keep in mind that you know your body best. The following ranges
of Body Fat Percentages are offered as guides:
Healthy Range
of Body Fat
Percentage
Body Water/Hydration Levels:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2001), the percentage of body
water should lie within the following ranges:
Women: 50–55%
Men: 60–65%
Children: 65–75%
While a scale/body fat monitor can be a useful tool on your weight-loss
journey, it’s not in and of itself a program for losing weight. Studies show
that people lose three times more weight on Weight Watchers than they
do on their own.*
*Heshka S, et al. Two-Year Randomized Controlled Study of Self-Help Weight Loss vs. A Structured Commercial Program.
The FASEB Journal 2001; 15(4):A623
Age
Females
Males
18–39
21–32%
8–19%
40–59
23–33%
11–21%
60–79
24–35%
13–24%
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