Every week on TV reality show "The Biggest Loser," all the contestants are judged on their percentage of weight lost, and using this calculation, the winners and losers are determined for that week. Using the percentage of weight loss, rather than the number of pounds lost, "evens up" the competition among people of all different body weights. For example, to achieve weight loss of 5 percent, someone who weighs 400 lbs. would need to lose 20 lbs., while someone who weighs 250 lbs. would need to lose 12½ lbs. to accomplish the same percentage of weight loss. It's straightforward to calculate the percentage of weight loss.
Step 1
Hop on the scale and record your starting weight. This is the scariest step for most people, but at the beginning of your weight-loss program, it's important to face the facts and make it official by documenting the start of your journey.
Step 2
Weigh yourself again after six to eight weeks, or after a predetermined time during your weight loss. Subtract your second weigh-in amount from your beginning weight. The result is the number of pounds lost.
Step 3
Divide the number of pounds lost, into your beginning weight. This is the percentage of weight lost. The formula is: (beginning weight - ending weight)/beginning weight.
Tips and Warnings
- Always weigh on the same scale at the same time of day, preferably first thing in the morning, wearing the same clothes or no clothes.
- Calculating your percentage of weight loss weekly is not necessary and may be counterproductive, because the percentage may be such a small number that it minimizes your hard work. It's more motivating to do this calculation every six to eight weeks, realistically giving yourself time to lose 6 to 16 lbs., making the percentage of weight lost reflective of your efforts.
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