Ditch That Scale!

It's no secret that I'm not a huge fan of the scale. I never liked it much, but I'm really done with it after spending a year practically chained to it while writing Shape magazine's Weight-Loss Diary column. Once a year at the doctor's office is good enough for me; it gives me some sense of where I stand, but prevents me from becoming obsessed with a number that's often pretty much meaningless.

The "number" is simply not an accurate reflection of your fitness, your health or even your beauty.

In fact, a new study out of the University of Michigan found that about half of "overweight" people have normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while many "trim" people have some of the health problems normally associated with obesity. Even though the scale may say you're a perfect weight, the truth is that your body is a reflection of both your habits and your genetics. There's no magic number that guarantees good health.

Just another little reminder to keep the "scale" in perspective.

Comments

[Sagan]

So true! Lots of people are very healthy even if they've got just a little bit of extra fat on them, and then there will be loads of thinner people who happen to have good metabolisms or something but lead incredibly unhealthy lifestyles. You body shape and size isn't necessarily a determining factor in how healthy you are!

[Alyssa]

Amen!
How many "hot" skinny girls did I see in L.A. chainsmoking cigarettes on their way home from the gym? Or guys running at mid-day in August wearing sweats, hats, scarves, and gloves in order to shed water weight before an audition?
People do nutty things. Just 'cause you're thin doesn't mean you're healthy.

[Dara Chadwick]

I couldn't agree more, Sagan and Alyssa. I've seen some very strange things at the gyms I've worked out in over the years.

[WeightingGame]

seriously, avoid avoid avoid. If you're healthy, stay happy and don't get on. Numbers trip up even the best of us.