Beyond the Scale: 4 Ways to Measure Your Weight Loss Success

Last year, roughly half of the American population made a New Year’s resolution to start a new diet. Did all those folks succeed in reaching their weight loss goals? Probably not.

Trying to lose weight is often a frustrating experience. That’s made extra true by the primary tool most people use to track their progress: the scale. The number it shows can fluctuate based on how much water you drink, your hormones, or even the time of day. 

Fortunately, the scale’s not the only way to monitor progress. As part of our weight loss program, Dr. Trace Alexander and our team recommend other metrics. Visit us at Legacy Pain and Regenerative Medicine in Plano or Addison, Texas. 

We can help you reframe how you think about your weight loss journey and give you tools to propel yourself forward. Here are a few ways to track weight loss progress that we often recommend to patients. 

Your energy levels

Your weight has a link to your body’s metabolic function, which directly impacts your energy levels. Plus, as you get lighter, your body uses less energy to move you throughout your day. 

As a result, many people notice that they feel more energized as they start to shed pounds. You might feel you don’t need that extra cup of coffee as often, or that activities like walking up stairs aren’t as exhausting. 

Focus on that energy boost. It’s a great motivator to keep your weight loss plan on track. 

How your clothes fit

You can track your weight loss progress without ever stepping on a scale. All you need to do is notice how your pants button. As you work toward your weight loss goals, you might have an easier time getting into your clothes. Eventually, you might need a belt.

How you sleep

Researchers have found that losing weight, particularly belly fat, improves sleep quality. 

Multiple factors come into play here. Getting to a healthy weight lowers your risk of obstructive sleep apnea, a breathing problem that disrupts your sleep. Also, most people exercise more as they lose weight. Regular exercise also helps you sleep better. 

All told, the pieces of your weight loss plan come together to help you rest more soundly at night. That further contributes to the aforementioned energy boost. 

How you feel when you look in the mirror

Generally, you notice that you look different before others do. So check your appearance in the mirror as you move through your weight loss journey. Your face may look slimmer, or the area under your chin may be less pronounced. You may like the way your clothes hang better. 

This visual check-in provides a way to track your progress without the scale. Seeing your appearance change serves as extra motivation to stay on track. 

To use these metrics for weight loss success, you need to drop pounds. We can help there. For a personalized weight loss plan and support as you move through it, come see Dr. Alexander.

Call our team at Legacy Pain and Regenerative Medicine at 972-899-9797 or book your visit online today.