Measuring your weight loss with no scale

BadgerFaced
BadgerFaced Posts: 66 Member
edited November 24 in Health and Weight Loss
As the title suggests, I don't own a scale so I can't regularly weigh myself to see how I'm doing. I get weighed periodically at my doctor's office (once every three/four months) and I do take measurements whenever I remember to (monthly/bi-monthly).

Edit: Buying a scale is not an option at the moment, and I don't have the option of weighing myself more regularly. Just looking for other ways to measure my weight loss without one.
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Replies

  • sscarmack
    sscarmack Posts: 210 Member
    Do you workout? My gym has a scale.
  • DeguelloTex
    DeguelloTex Posts: 6,652 Member
    Most gyms have scales. A lot of GNC-type stores have scales.
  • DemoraFairy
    DemoraFairy Posts: 1,806 Member
    How clothes fit and progress photos are also options. I'm sure there must be somewhere you can get a cheap set of scales, though.
  • sscarmack
    sscarmack Posts: 210 Member
    Bathtub, water displacement haha
  • preeJAY
    preeJAY Posts: 46 Member
    I rely purely on fit of clothes and progress photos, and it's working very well :)

    I don't want feelings to affect my progress, which I know it would if I have to deal with smaller-than-expected or no weight loss per week.

    I do think a scale is vital to maintaining weight, however
  • BadgerFaced
    BadgerFaced Posts: 66 Member
    @sscarmack & @DeguelloTex & @DemoraFairy I can't afford to go to the gym at the moment or buy a scale. Unfortunately, as a Canadian with high taxes, I need to spend a fair bit on a scale that can read over 300+lbs.
  • BadgerFaced
    BadgerFaced Posts: 66 Member
    @preeJAY Thanks! Where I'm at now, it's easy enough to be able to lose the weight and I'm no where near maintaining. Clothing fit is probably a good indicator!
  • rugratz2015
    rugratz2015 Posts: 593 Member
    Would any of your chemists have one? Some of the bigger branches here have a public scale, some also measure height, bmi & body fat. Could you ask your doc if you could use the scales once a month, just for your own knowledge? He wouldn't have to be in the room.
  • BadgerFaced
    BadgerFaced Posts: 66 Member
    @rugratz2015 The pharmacists don't unfortunately, only blood pressure checks. My doctors office is incredibly busy and requires a book in to get in.
  • Duchy82
    Duchy82 Posts: 560 Member
    Take measurements of your waist, hips, chest, neck and wherever else, that should give an indication of your weightloss and measuring tapes come pretty cheap if you don't already own one
  • BadgerFaced
    BadgerFaced Posts: 66 Member
    @Duchy82 Already doing it! :smile: Definitely works pretty well.
  • ashliedelgado
    ashliedelgado Posts: 814 Member
    Most doctors offices have walk in "nurse visits". At your next appointment, ask if its a possibility. But truly, measurements. Progress pics. Clothing fit. And use it as an excuse to get back in touch with people you haven't seen for awhile. I LOVE the "holy *kitten*!" comments I get when I see someone I haven't seen in awhile. It's a pretty good indicator.
  • BadgerFaced
    BadgerFaced Posts: 66 Member
    @ashliefisch Thank you! My office doesn't have that, they are very busy. That's a good idea about seeing people I haven't seen in a while, first I'll need to lose nearly 100lbs before that day though. :lol:
  • Abby2205
    Abby2205 Posts: 253 Member
    BadgerFaced wrote: »
    @sscarmack & @DeguelloTex & @DemoraFairy I can't afford to go to the gym at the moment or buy a scale. Unfortunately, as a Canadian with high taxes, I need to spend a fair bit on a scale that can read over 300+lbs.

    I'm not sure what being Canadian with high taxes has to do with having to buy a scale that can read over 300 lbs. If you don't want to use scale weight as your measure, fine. But if you are serious that the cost of a higher capacity scale is the only thing holding you back, Walmart has a 400 lb scale for $19.96 and both of the stores in your profile city have it in stock, or you can get free delivery to a Canada Post outlet.
  • callsitlikeiseeit
    callsitlikeiseeit Posts: 8,626 Member
    scales arent that expensive. forfeit a night of drinking and go get one.

    if you insist on not doing that, you can do photos, measurements, and how your clothes fit (which you should do regardless).
  • BadgerFaced
    BadgerFaced Posts: 66 Member
    @Abby2205 I guess I should have explained that better. I'm low income. I live pay-check to pay-check and until I get some extra money coming in I cannot afford a scale that fits my needs (weighs up to a certain point, is of decent quality, etc.). Yes, even $20 is too much. I mention the Canadian bit because some people will link me to American sites and the Canadian dollar is weak. I mention high taxes in my province because it would also effect the cost. Thank you.

    @callsitlikeiseeit I live pay-check to pay-check. I don't drink. Thank you.
  • callsitlikeiseeit
    callsitlikeiseeit Posts: 8,626 Member
    BadgerFaced wrote: »
    @Abby2205 I guess I should have explained that better. I'm low income. I live pay-check to pay-check and until I get some extra money coming in I cannot afford a scale that fits my needs (weighs up to a certain point, is of decent quality, etc.). Yes, even $20 is too much. I mention the Canadian bit because some people will link me to American sites and the Canadian dollar is weak. I mention high taxes in my province because it would also effect the cost. Thank you.

    @callsitlikeiseeit I live pay-check to pay-check. I don't drink. Thank you.

    You're making excuses. You've been given alternatives. If it is important to you, you will find a way to get one, OR work with the (FREE) alternatives.
  • BadgerFaced
    BadgerFaced Posts: 66 Member
    @callsitlikeiseeit And I use the free alternatives. My doctor's office is very busy so I get in when I can which is every 3-4 months. I measure myself monthly/bimonthly. None of the pharmacies have a weigh in sort of program (I phoned). I cannot afford the scale due to my income at the moment (though I would like to buy one when a GST check comes in). These are not excuses, these are facts. I can't make money appear out of thin air.
  • callsitlikeiseeit
    callsitlikeiseeit Posts: 8,626 Member
    BadgerFaced wrote: »
    @callsitlikeiseeit And I use the free alternatives. My doctor's office is very busy so I get in when I can which is every 3-4 months. I measure myself monthly/bimonthly. None of the pharmacies have a weigh in sort of program (I phoned). I cannot afford the scale due to my income at the moment (though I would like to buy one when a GST check comes in). These are not excuses, these are facts. I can't make money appear out of thin air.

    Nor can we make more alternatives appear from out of thin air.

    Perhaps a friend has one you can use.
  • BadgerFaced
    BadgerFaced Posts: 66 Member
    @callsitlikeiseeit Thanks! I'm asking some friends right now. :smile:
  • preeJAY
    preeJAY Posts: 46 Member
    hi135 wrote: »
    Go to ' bed bath and beyond' and use the sample ones then.

    Tbh.... this is actually a good idea :)

    You could do this at various stores. There would be inconsistencies between scales, but hey, all you need at this point is a ballpark figure, right?
  • BadgerFaced
    BadgerFaced Posts: 66 Member
    @preeJAY It is a great idea! I'm going to phone some places up and see if they have scales on display that one can test out. Ideally I need the weight to be consistent but if that isn't an option that's fine.

    @hi135 I don't mind the taxes as long as they actually go towards things that are useful.
  • kiela64
    kiela64 Posts: 1,447 Member
    edited September 2015
    My best guess is making a friend who has a scale? Maybe a neighbour who'd let you come over once every couple weeks to check?

    What about community centres? Some have gym-like facilities like pools, and they can be only $3 for a single visit (and you could work out when you go as well!). Are you in a city or a town? It will make a difference what options are there.
  • BadgerFaced
    BadgerFaced Posts: 66 Member
    @kae612 OHIP? I live in Halifax, NS. Most of the gyms I've seen and community centers are about 11-15$ for a day pass. I just did a deeper search and haven't found anything cheaper. Even the universities expect that sort of money to just get in for the day.
  • BadgerFaced
    BadgerFaced Posts: 66 Member
    hi135 wrote: »
    preeJAY wrote: »
    hi135 wrote: »
    Go to ' bed bath and beyond' and use the sample ones then.

    Tbh.... this is actually a good idea :)

    You could do this at various stores. There would be inconsistencies between scales, but hey, all you need at this point is a ballpark figure, right?

    Right?!

    It feels like this advice was just really out of thin air! I would have NEVER thought of this! :smile:
  • kiela64
    kiela64 Posts: 1,447 Member
    BadgerFaced wrote: »
    @kae612 OHIP? I live in Halifax, NS. Most of the gyms I've seen and community centers are about 11-15$ for a day pass. I just did a deeper search and haven't found anything cheaper. Even the universities expect that sort of money to just get in for the day.

    ahh okay never mind :/ I only know ontario stuff. that sucks!
  • scolaris
    scolaris Posts: 2,145 Member
    If you live or work near a Kaiser medical complex I believe they have a lobby scale you can use, too. No membership needed.
  • Therealobi1
    Therealobi1 Posts: 3,262 Member
    see if you can borrow a friends one, or just use it when you visit them
    got to a local store that sells them and weigh yourself there
    if you have a wii board, you can use that to weigh yourself. does one of your friends have one they dont use?
    put scales down on your wish list for birthday or xmas present
  • PinkPixiexox
    PinkPixiexox Posts: 4,142 Member
    Gyms and health shops have scales - some you can use for free.

    The tape measure is my favourite form of tracking but I *need* those scales to check how my eating is going. No, scales aren't the most reliable form of tracker but they are very, very useful. I'd definitely try and purchase or borrow one - don't fear it. It's just a number :)
  • BadgerFaced
    BadgerFaced Posts: 66 Member
    I bought a scale guys, saved up some money and got one at walmart. :smile: I know you're all very happy!
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