by Krystle Hernandez

Created on: March 02, 2007   Last Updated: May 20, 2007

The scale: some are frightened of the number to be displayed and haven't gotten near one in years. Others are obsessed, clinging to their scales and making daily checkups on their exact weight number. Although scales can be an effective and sometimes motivating tool for weight loss, for most people beginning their weight loss journeys, scales can most definitely undermine their weight loss. Why?

1. Preconceived Notions: Many of us have an ideal weight. Although there are plenty of doctors' offices worldwide filled with charts on height and "normal" weight classifications, it's important to remember that weight does not necessarily go hand in hand with appearance. You may think that Jennifer Aniston looks great at 5'5" and 110 lbs, but simply because you are the same height, does not mean you'll look the same as she does at 110. People come in all different shapes and sizes, and the truth is, overall fitness and not a preconceived number should be your goal.

2. Slow movement: Losing weight is not necessarily a quick feat or something that can be accomplished in a certain amount of time. There will be good days and there will be bad days on your long road to achieving and maintaining balanced nutrition and fitness. Because of this reason, many people will be discouraged by the slowly declining numbers on the scale. Often times, for many reasons, those numbers move up as well, giving you the impression that you are heavier than you are. Do not be discouraged by these fluctuations in numbers or the plateaus that you will inevitably encounter. Remember that there are various biological factors contributing to the number you see on the scale. Just because you're a little bloated, doesn't mean you're failing at your ultimate goal of optimal fitness.

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