Three Ways to Look Beyond the Scale to Measure Health
Changes in Physical Performance and Strength
Is your weight loss stalled? Pay attention to your body and see if you notice any non-scale changes. Your clothes may be fitting differently, you may be losing inches, you may be gaining muscle, or improving your strength during workouts. A DEXA body composition scan may be helpful to track body composition changes over time throughout your weight loss journey. Are you able to walk longer without being winded? Are you able to keep up with your kids more while playing outside? Are you noticing visual bodily changes through before and after pictures? These are all measurements of progress outside of the scale.
Changes in Well-Being
Are you thinking more clearly or experiencing less brain fog? Are you sleeping better at night, or feel more rested upon waking? Are you less fatigued during the day or able to cut out your evening nap? Has confidence improved, or has there been an increase in positive self-thoughts? Are you more motivated to leave the house? These changes matter too!
Changes in Behaviors
Have you shifted from turning towards food for comfort to now looking beyond the instant satisfaction of something sweet or savory, such as enjoying a new book, listening to a podcast, or calling a friend? Are you able to look at exercise now as a way to de-stress or for enjoyment as opposed to a way to burn off calories from a meal or punish yourself for eating something indulgent? Are you able to listen to hunger cues instead of eating due to emotion or boredom? These behavioral changes are just as important as any other change during the weight loss process.
Patience in the Weight Loss Process
Weight loss, of any form, is a journey. Some lose quickly, while others lose weight more slowly. Neither way is better or worse than another. However, always keeping a positive mindset is important. Historically for most, weight seems to go up much faster than it comes off. Be patient in the weight loss process.
For weight loss solutions with Dr. Christopher Hart or Dr. William Johnson, please call Atlanta Bariatrics at 770-232-1871.
