Don't always trust the scale!

Athena413
Athena413 Posts: 1,709 Member
in Motivation and Support
In January 2010 my weight hit an all-time high of 290 lbs. By November 2010 (because of the top portion of the picture below) I decided something needed to change quick! No one as young as myself should have a blood pressure of 140/91. I started running in December 2010 and began to lead a very healthy, active lifestyle, and have been doing so since. The weight just started dropping!

Then came November 2011 and it was time for my next round of blood work (the bottom portion of the picture below). SIGNIFICANT improvement in just one year!

Fast forward to the present - I have been playing with the same 2 or 3 pounds since November 2011, but my blood pressure is now in the normal, healthy range, my heart rate hangs out around 70, and my body fat % is somewhere around 34%. For 8 MONTHS my scale has REFUSED to give me a number I want to see, but blood work and vitals don't lie! You can't always trust the number on the scale and you can't always judge your progress by it either.

If you, like me, are struggling with losing weight, try measuring your progress by a different number. It's refreshing to see a continuous positive change when you're trying so hard and nothing appears to be happening!

Bloodworkcomparison.jpg

Replies

  • gpstrucker
    gpstrucker Posts: 930 Member
    Nice. High blood pressure was the kick in the pants that got me going too.
  • MrsBubner
    MrsBubner Posts: 2
    Thank you for reminding me to keep up the hard work. So happy to hear I'm not the only one whose scale doesn't move quickly :) Great job on getting your health back on the right track!
  • jtallwood
    jtallwood Posts: 53 Member
    That is SO great! My scale has been stuck for over than a month, even tough I work out and eat correctly. You're right, the scale can be a great motivation, but can be the opposite too. Keep up the good work dear!
  • Athena413
    Athena413 Posts: 1,709 Member
    I was trying to re-size the picture so you could see everything on the right side, but it isn't cooperating...

    BP went from 140/91 to 127/88
    Weight went from 281.6 to 225.4
    HR went from 91 to 82
    BF% went from 49.9% to 42.8% (I WAS HALF FAT!)
    BMI went from 49.88 to 39.92
  • XXXMinnieXXX
    XXXMinnieXXX Posts: 3,459 Member
    Great post. I got a 6 month plateau increased protein to 30% 30% fat, 40% carbs . Been losing well again x
  • 1960HikerDude
    1960HikerDude Posts: 215 Member
    Same here. BP was my main motivator. I got this picture in my head of me after a stroke, sitting in a wheel chair drooling on myself while I wait for the nice man to come and change my diaper and being fully cognizant of my situation.
  • CurlDiva
    CurlDiva Posts: 33 Member
    This is such a tough truth to learn. Eight years ago when I got married I started lifting weights I actually put on 5 lbs before I ever saw weight go the other direction on the scale BUT I could count on my measuring tape. Those inches were getting smaller and smaller. So I posted a blog out there somewhere I'm only casually seeing my scale but I am definitely dating my measuring tape. Plus in the end all that really matters is do you feel better. Progress is progress! Keep up the good work!
  • lvpthemvp
    lvpthemvp Posts: 266 Member
    that is great! and good to know. Thanks for sharing!
  • VogtAndrea
    VogtAndrea Posts: 236
    I hit a good spot in my life when my doctor said "Keep this up and we'll have to take you off the blood pressure medication". (I'm a late starter on MFP as I'd managed a 40 lb drop by myself but was hitting a wall)
  • Dani_wants_to_be_fit
    Dani_wants_to_be_fit Posts: 550 Member
    Agreed =) I was stuck in a plateau for a long time and had to keep myself sane with measurements and body fat measurements. I agree the scales aren't the the only way to record progress but people should put more emphasis on body fat and inches

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