Using a tape measure instead of a scale

reality7001

Hi. I've practically given up on finding an accurate scale for my crappy apartment. The floors are not even anywhere and I haven't come across any solid scale recommendations as everyone seems to be having issues with accuracy in one way or another.

So, I've decided to use a tape measure for taking. I wish MFP had this sort of tracking option available.

Does anyone know what one inch loss is equal to in wieght? Also, what areas should I be measuring and how often?

DoubleUbea

You can track other measurements in MFP such as waist, chest size and you can add your own measurements. There isn't a calculation for inches/centimeters to pounds/kilograms.

https://www.myfitnesspal.com/measurements/check_in
on the app tap the weight on the top for other measurements options.

Great_Mazinga

MFP does allow you to record your measurements. You can enter it in the same screen you update your weight. In many ways, this a good way to measure. Often, people get frustrated by not seeing the scale move, but sometimes body re-composition can be tricky and you've actually dropped inches instead.

nutmegoreo

As for you question about weight per inch, there's no way to know. Everyone is different. Height will be a variable. Because I'm short, 20 lbs from me is going to look different than 20 lbs from a tall person because they have a larger surface area. So tgeir inches lost will be smaller. I can also be effected by location of measurements. You might lose more from one spot than another.

Could you just get a small board, 2 feet square, to place under the scale to stabilize it?

reality7001

DoubleUbea wrote: »

You can track other measurements in MFP such as waist, chest size and you can add your own measurements. There isn't a calculation for inches/centimeters to pounds/kilograms.

https://www.myfitnesspal.com/measurements/check_in
on the app tap the weight on the top for other measurements options.

Cool I found it in the app. I was tapping wieght symbol and it wasn't changing - but then found the correct wieght/ measurement check in under progress in the app! Thanks

Keto_Vampire

Ratio changes are helpful to determine progress as well; hips:waist:chest:shoulders:neck

4Pop

OP- I see your question is answered, but I just wanted to share something I'd just learned.

I've had a cheap SprawlMart scale for about 3 months, and it seems as time passes, it becomes more inaccurate. I was stepping on/off 6 times to get 2-3 consistent readings. Now I can step on/off a dozen times and no 2 readings are the same, with a 10 pound variance.

The past 2 mornings, I've stepped onto the scale "backwards", with the readout between my heels, and get identical readings. Maybe I have an odd scale (other than being cheap), but you might give it a try.

Regarding your floor, go to a home improvement center and buy a small piece of cut 3/4" plywood to set your scale on.

Before someone chimes-in to say how unimportant scales are, I simply use it as one way to determine my weight is going the direction I'm wanting it to.

mmapags

Measurements are not always absolute either. My waist can vary an inch from day to day based on bloating or water weight.

reality7001

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and helping me figure out how to log my measurements. I returned the scale I bought online and weighed myself on an accurate beam scale. Then I went to bed bath and beyond and found one that was very accurate and only $20. Name brand is called Thinner and it weighs the same on my floors