The process of weight loss is simple: if you eat in a healthy manner and diet regularly, you will lose weight. But our bodies are complex systems, and they don't always react in ways we expect. It's possible to eat right and exercise, but fail to experience obvious weight loss. If this describes your situation, don't lose hope. In the long run, adhering to a healthy lifestyle will lead to weight loss. In the meantime, there are ways to determine whether your weight-loss program is effective.
Step 1
Use a weight scale to monitor your weight over a long period of time, such as several weeks or a month. Day-to-day fluctuations in body weight are normal, so don't check your weight every day. Instead, use the same scale once a week or so and write down the results so you can track your progress.
Step 2
Measure your waist or other areas with fat deposits with a tailor's measuring tape. Write down the results and then repeat the process a week later. If you are losing weight, you should notice a general slimming of your body, though it is possible that minor fluctuations or bloating due to gas could skew your results.
Step 3
Find an article of clothing that was noticeably tight before you began your weight-loss program and see if it is less snug now. This is an imprecise method, but it might help you realize that your program is working even though you can't easily spot the difference in the mirror.
Step 4
Ask your doctor to perform clinical measurements to determine if you are losing weight. This is the most reliable way to find out if your weight-loss program is effective. Typical measurements include weighing on a medical scale, water-displacement tests, waist-circumference measurements and body mass index calculations.
Tips and Warnings
- Rapid weight loss is an unhealthy goal, so don't expect immediate results. Concentrate on living in a healthy manner, and the weight loss will happen eventually. If you are not losing weight despite your best efforts, talk to your doctor about alternatives to dieting and exercise.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
Member Comments