What's the best way to measure weightloss?

[MissIndependant]

Hi all,

 

I joined the gym in Dec 2012 and weighed 63 kilo's roughly.

 

I am now 59kgs and have lost approx 2.5 cms average all over(4cms off my thighs )

 

What I want to know is, is there a better method of measuring fatloss/weightloss?

 

Currently I am weighing and measuring but I wasn't sure if either of these are accurate or a good enough indicator of change.

 

Should I be looking at BMI and Body fat % as well.

[amaysngrace]

I usually go by how I look in the mirror or how my clothes are fitting me.

[Imported]

Take profile pictures. I have a picture of me from years ago when I was fat and was trying to get back in shape. It was when digital camera's was a brand new thing, never mind cell phones.....picture taking or not.

 

I still have that pic. Not only did it serve as a good indicator of my progression at the time, but it now reminds me why I continue to stay in shape and never allow myself to fall too far.

[MissIndependant]

Take profile pictures. I have a picture of me from years ago when I was fat and was trying to get back in shape. It was when digital camera's was a brand new thing, never mind cell phones.....picture taking or not.

 

I still have that pic. Not only did it serve as a good indicator of my progression at the time, but it now reminds me why I continue to stay in shape and never allow myself to fall too far.

 

 

That's a very good point. I did take photos before I started the gym, but as I lost weight I saw no point in keeping them. I was embarrassed by them and for letting myself go. In hindsight it would have been good to keep it. I'll just have to start again from now, at least now I won't be as embarrassed by the photos lol

[Emilia]

What I want to know is, is there a better method of measuring fatloss/weightloss?

 

Currently I am weighing and measuring but I wasn't sure if either of these are accurate or a good enough indicator of change.

 

Should I be looking at BMI and Body fat % as well.

 

Second the others, to me it's more visual check than measurement

 

I see how clothes/underwear fit me, I see body fat % changes by how my sports bras fit me as they are a very tight fit to keep my boobs strapped down. I'm prone to put weight on my belly and the back of my arms so I usully check those areas to see what's going on

[ooglesnboogles]

Well, weight can't tell you how much fat you've lost because typically you'll be exercising while losing weight, which means building muscle. I've been at 200lbs for a while, but there are times when I look fatter and times when I look thinner. It depends on how much I've worked out.

 

That said, I've been tracking my fat loss through my weight because that's the easiest way for me really track it with numbers.

[Mr Scorpio]

The best way? Go to a university sports lab and get weighed in the "dunk tank" where they can measure your body fat percentage to a very accurate degree. Otherwise, weigh yourself once or twice a week, in the morning, before eating or drinking anything, and after doing your bathroom business.

[dichotomy]

Clothes and sizes - especially if you do any strength training.

[EasyHeart]

I usually go by how I look in the mirror or how my clothes are fitting me.

This.

 

Unless you're gaining or losing very large amounts of weight, this is all that matters. Don't make things too complicated.

[PogoStick]

BF% is helpful, preferably via skin calipers. A combo of all measurements will give you the best picture of what's going on: BF, weight, circumferences; plus why not some fitness components like how much weight you can lift and your aerobic performance.

 

BMI is a rough/quick tool which is not as relevant for what you are doing.

[fucpcg]

BMI is a joke. Simplest and best way is to track weight and your waist size. I measure my weight and waist evey morning upon waking, and write down the measurements every Monday morning to check week to week progress. If you want to lose healthy weight, both should be shrinking at the same time. If one drops without the other, you need to review your nutritional intake.

[MissIndependant]

So the general consensus seems to be go off the mirror.

 

I like this idea as I CAN see results in the mirror which alot of the time I can't see on the scales.

 

I do alot of weight/strength training, as well as cardio. So I'm essentially loosing fat and gaining muscle.

 

But overall I can fit into clothes now that I haven't worn in years so yes I guess the proof is in the mirror lol

 

Thanks everyone for your advice!!

[SoonMyFriend]

When I was losing weight I took measurements, and found them to be most helpful because they helped me see my progress even when i couldn't tell the difference in the mirror or on the scale.

 

I took my measurements at monthly intervals, and did them first thing in the morning.

 

I measured the following:

 

-Chest (across the nipples)

-Waist (just above the belly button)

-Hips (across the hip bone)

-Butt (across the biggest part of the butt)

-Thigh

-Upper arms

 

I did check my weight on the scale too, but loved having the measurements to track. It's also fun to add up your total inches lost

 

So I say invest in a measuring tape and have fun!!