Which weight in MFP to use?

justcountryfolks

Here’s a question that I’ve been kicking around.

At the first of the year, I was at my heaviest weight. I started working at losing weight and did good up until March. I slacked off for a few weeks (regret it) HOWEVER in April I joined MFP and really decided to make a lifestyle change.

The total weight loss since January is exactly 30lbs however since I started in April on MFP it’s 11 lbs. Which weight should I use in the MFP tracker, which intern will show the current results, 30lbs loss OR 11lbs loss?

I will admit, seeing 30lbs loss vs. 11lbs is more “rewarding” however I’m not sure which would be more accurate for MFP.

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If you need a visual motivation, change it to 30 lbs. It's your choice.

hkmurphy83

I may get slammed for this, but I would say use what makes you happy. You honestly worked to lose that weight so put in your original weight.

zhvah18

When I joined MFP last summer I'd already lost 43 lbs, but at the time I was using a different site and never really transferred to this site fully until this past February. I kind of wish my ticker showed my WHOLE loss and not just the last 12-15 lbs, but it was to late for me to change it at that point. I think you should do what you would like, I agree, showing the whole 30 lbs loss is much more rewarding. If I could do it again, I would change it so it showed the whole loss.

ETA: well now I feel dumb, I just looked and realized I can change just the ticker without changing my stats. HA!

traceyleighgirl

I added my start weight from last April, even though I started in September on MFP. I know its not accurate for MFP, but you earned that weight loss for your ticker! ;P

eep223

I went back in and retroactively added my heaviest weight. When I only had a couple pounds lost on the counter, I felt like I needed the added motivator. Plus, I'd like to keep track in the long run.

herblackwings39

I went with "this time" I've lost weight before, but this time I started in Feb. 2012 and when I switched from WW to MFP exclusively I went with my starting weight from then. I figured it's not like I didn't work and lose the weight why shouldn't I claim it? But, it is totally up to you how you want to do it.

Congrats on your loss!

Warchortle

Honestly, it doesn't matter unless you care what other people think.

sadiebrawl

I used my starting weight before I joined.

runningagainstmyself

Here’s a question that I’ve been kicking around.

At the first of the year, I was at my heaviest weight. I started working at losing weight and did good up until March. I slacked off for a few weeks (regret it) HOWEVER in April I joined MFP and really decided to make a lifestyle change.

The total weight loss since January is exactly 30lbs however since I started in April on MFP it’s 11 lbs. Which weight should I use in the MFP tracker, which intern will show the current results, 30lbs loss OR 11lbs loss?

I will admit, seeing 30lbs loss vs. 11lbs is more “rewarding” however I’m not sure which would be more accurate for MFP.

I just asked myself that question yesterday. I originally had it set to 30lb to lose, but then it occurred to me that this isn't the 'start' of my weight loss journey, only another chapter in it. I deserve to see EVERYTHING I have done for myself -- so I changed it to my actual weight loss number.

The choice is up to you, and do what makes you happy. But if I had to vote, I would vote for change it to your 'real' number.

Vailara

I used my high weight. I'd already lost a little before I joined MFP, so I just back-dated it. I don't think it's "cheating". I just wanted to see my total loss, rather than what I'd lost after joining MFP. Do what suits you!

Bettyeditor

I lost 50 lbs before coming to MFP using a different food diary (Go Meals). When I got a Fitbit I came to MFP so they could sync. I only just a few days ago added my weight that I had lost just prior and up to starting MFP. Why not? I lost it honestly, counting calories just like here. Why not give yourself the credit you are due? :flowerforyou:

zhvah18

Honestly, it doesn't matter unless you care what other people think.

It's kind of like a badge of honor though I think.

Steffani911

That number is for you and no one else. Put what number you feel you should. Where do you feel you started? I lost a few pounds 5 years ago and never gained it back but didn't continue. I don't put that in my starting weight because for me, that's not where I started when I made this lifestyle change.

RoadsterGirlie

You earned it no matter what your methods are or how they've changed. I say put in the full 30 lbs!

eep223

Honestly, it doesn't matter unless you care what other people think.

I really don't think it has anything to do with that.

rkfmfp2013

A week or so ago I too struggled with that questions. Decided to enter my heaviest at 11/1/12, I started MFP on 1/1/13. I feel I earned it and believe you did too!

JTick

I entered my heaviest weight. Even though I have gained and lost several times, at one point I weighed my heaviest weight, and I had to work just as hard to lose those pounds as the rest of them. They definitely count!

iquiltoo

I decided to start where I was at when I started on MFP. I had actually lost about 50 lbs since last April, but that was because I had to have emergency double surgery! I considered starting with that, but I didn't really do anything to lose it, and was grateful that I managed to keep it off, only gaining and losing about 5 lbs off and on in the intervening time. When I get to my goal, or at least a lot closer, I might change it, but for now I want to see what progress I am making here and now. So yeah, it's up to you, what makes you happiest.

ohmscheeks

If it were me, I would use the weight at which I started using MFP. But, as other have said, it doesn't really matter. Do whichever you would like best.