weight loss
∙3 minute read
Stepping on the scale can be a daunting task, probably even more so than dragging yourself out of bed for that early morning 5k run you promised you would do. However, regardless of how it may make you feel, weighing yourself regularly when on a weight loss journey is important for two reasons: to find out how your new lifestyle is helping you shed weight, and to share your progress with your healthcare provider and support group.
We understand that fighting the fear of weighing yourself is difficult, but do understand that you’re not the only one who feels this way. It’s common to feel anxious or stressed when weighing yourself. For peace of mind, we’ve outlined just a few different ways you can approach your scales. First, let’s put to the curb why you should take your readings with a pinch of salt.
Weight fluctuations happen, and they can affect anyone. But just because your weight goes one way or another each time you step on the scale, doesn’t mean that you’re not keeping on track with your new lifestyle. There are many reasons why the scale can change, some of which are outlined below:
Water weight: Whenever you start a new weight loss plan, water is often the first to make its way out of the body. That’s why in your first couple of weeks of training and dieting, it may seem like you’re losing more weight than average. Likewise, if you go for a run on a hot day and sweat more than usual, you may notice a few drops in the scale. However, water can also be retained. For example, eating salty foods can promote water retention, which can bloat you and add extra weight to your scales.
Hormones: A woman’s body goes through significant changes during the menstrual period. Some women may experience bloating, water retention, and weight gain, when going through their period, however this often normalises towards the end of the cycle. Similarly, as men age, their bodies too go through changes, during which testosterone levels decrease. As this happens, muscle mass and energy levels drop, which can consequently lead to weight gain. This can be treated using various testosterone treatment programmes.
Medications: Some medicines can lead to weight fluctuations, weight gain, or weight loss. If you have recently started a new medication and are experiencing bloating or any other symptoms associated with your weight, we recommend getting in touch with our clinical team, your health coach, or your general practitioner.
Sometimes, after the initial drop in weight, your body naturally adjusts as you lose fat and muscle, which slows down your metabolism. This can cause your progress to stall, even if you’re still eating well and exercising regularly. And we get it, hitting a weight-loss plateau can be frustrating, but it’s completely normal.
It’s important not to get discouraged or revert to old habits. Instead, you might have to reassess your routine. This may look like a tweak in your calorie intake or adding variety to your workouts to keep your body challenged. But don’t worry—that’s exactly where our health coaches come in to support you.
Since you’ll probably have to step on the scale at some point during your weight loss journey, let’s try a little experiment to ease your nerves and show how quickly your weight can change.
First, step on the scale and note the number.
Then, drink a large glass of water and step on the scale again.
You’ll likely see an increase of half to one kilogram of weight just from the water. No calories, no real weight gain—just a temporary change.
This helps you understand that the scale can fluctuate for arbitrary reasons. Recognising this makes it easier to see the scale for what it is: a useful tool to track your weight, nothing more, nothing less.
The good news is you don’t have to step on the scale every day to monitor your weight, as the inconsistency from your day-to-day readings may accentuate certain anxieties. Instead, try weighing yourself weekly, preferably first thing in the morning on the same day of the week. We recommend that you choose your weigh-in day around the middle of the week. This way, you can sidestep any weekend fluctuations and get a more accurate reading.
There are a number of reasons why it’s important to provide your clinician with regular weight readings.
It can help us assess your nutritional status. Losing too much weight on a weekly basis may indicate that you’re not getting your full nutritional needs.
It can provide us with the means to intervene if your weight isn’t dropping. This may mean changing up certain habits or even introducing weight loss medicines or increasing their dose to facilitate your journey.
If you’re looking for that extra little push to get on top of the scales, Numan’s health coaches can help ease your anxiety. Our highly qualified professionals—ranging from nutritionists to exercise experts—know that managing your weight is about more than just numbers. Your health coach won’t overwhelm you with strict diets or intense exercise plans. Instead, they’ll work with you to make small, realistic changes that fit your lifestyle.
Whether it’s finding fun ways to move or giving simple nutrition advice, your coach will offer personalised support to keep you confident and focused on long-term success. Health coaching is offered to anyone who receives weight loss medications from us here at Numan.
If you continue to struggle with scale-related anxieties, then our team can help you directly. By visiting the coaching section on the Numan weight loss app, you can find sources, guides, and even book a 1-to-1 session with a coach who’ll help you develop a positive relationship with weight loss.
