Reasons Why Your Weight Is Really Just A Number

When one finds themselves on a path to lose weight, they tend to focus on the number they see on the scale, not considering other things. It is common with younger people to compare how much they weigh, ignoring other aspects such as body shape, lifestyle, diet, etc. A number on the scale is exactly that: just a number. It is wrong to assume it as the guidance of a person's weight loss journey. Here are five reasons not to be fooled by numbers.

What Is BMI?

Some are aware that they should not compare themselves with someone who is shorter or taller than themselves and instead, use BMI as their guide. BMI refers to Body Mass Index which measures someone's body fat based on their weight and height. Although it is useful, it is not advisable to be considered on its own. What is considered the "normal" range score for an individual, might not be normal for another, based on other aspects such as muscles and possible health issues. Fat is not the only substance that can cause a person to put on weight. Therefore it is not unusual to see an individual with a high BMI score who is not necessarily overweight.

Lifestyle

The type of lifestyle led has a substantial influence on one's weight. Muscles are known for being dense tissues which directly affect the numbers on the scale. When an individual combines a balanced diet with exercise, they may be confused if they end up putting on weight instead of losing it, yet it does not mean that they are not becoming more fit. Someone who practices sports or other physical activities will be significantly heavier than someone who shares their same height and measurements but does not engage in the same lifestyle, which is why they should not compare their weight.

Height

When someone is conscious of their size, they might look up to those whose bodies are what they consider ideal. One might feel inadequate for being too tall in comparison to their friends, and since they cannot change their height, they might look at their weight as something that could be paired with their ideal figure. This is incredibly dangerous as the numbers on the scale are directly linked with someone's height, making it extremely inadvisable for an individual to pursue the same weight as someone who is much shorter or taller than themselves. Following this path might result in severe health complications as trying to reach an unrealistic weight goal for their frame can negatively impact how their body functions.

Diet

Different kinds of food can also have an impact on weight. Foods which cause water retention will show up as extra lbs on the scale. One might think it is fat contributing to these higher numbers but in fact, it is liquid. A weight loss diet is not about cutting food groups but rather, it is about balance and consuming products that will enable the body to function better. A different result of a bad diet is to see the numbers dropping on the scale but not in clothing size, which is likely due to bloating. Calories and protein are critical for those who exercise to lose weight, and cutting these food groups will add to their chances of retaining gas or water, delivering different results from the ones they are seeking.

A Better Way To Measure

Due to muscles, diet, body shape, and many other factors, BMI may not be the most accurate way to guide someone through their fitness goals. There are better ways to measure progress than relying on these numbers. Experts advise that tracking body fat percentage along with waist-to-hip ratio can be more efficient, or even further, a person could put the numbers aside altogether. Trying to drop a few pounds or change the BMI can cause stress, which is why it is sometimes better to forget it and base one's health on how they feel inside and out. Set healthy goals such as going down a couple of clothing sizes, or aiming for a 3-5k run - and work on the time taken to complete it. These are all better methods to help work towards fitness goals without relying on the numbers on the scale.