Many people live and diet by the number on the scale, but does a weight-loss program really have to be dictated by a number? When that number becomes the be-all, end-all of your success and ultimately your self-esteem, then its value starts to dwindle. If one or two "bad" weigh-ins drain your motivation and ruin your mood, then maybe it's time to look to other means to measure your progress. Many factors can cause the number to fluctuate: hormones, water retention, increased muscle mass and certain medications.

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For some, however, the scale can be a useful tool in gauging the right combination of calories and exercise. Some experimentation is necessary, and weighing yourself can be helpful in tweaking your program. Keeping a spreadsheet for comparison purposes that includes your weight, calories eaten and activity level will help you check your progress. It helps to remember that weight is simply a number, not a measure of the kind of person you are or how others see you.
There are many other ways of measuring your progress; in fact, many dieters don't even OWN a scale! Check your closet if you want to see results. Dig around and grab an old pair of pants. Pull them on and compare their fit to before you began your healthy habits. If you find them fitting or even a little loose, then keep up the good work! At the start of your program, you also can have measurements taken from your waist, arms, thighs, neck and hips. {relatedarticles}Other numbers worth noting are the medical kind - watch as your blood pressure, resting heart rate and cholesterol levels decrease, all sure signs that your new healthy lifestyle is paying off.