Why the Scale Isn't the Whole Story

The scale is useful, but it's one number that can't tell muscle from fat or water. Here's how to keep it in perspective.

Weight isn't the same as fat

The scale weighs everything — muscle, water, food, bone and fat. Two people at the same weight can look and feel completely different.

Why muscle muddies the number

If you're strength training, you may gain muscle as you lose fat, so the scale barely moves even as your body changes. That's progress the scale hides.

Other signals worth watching

• How your clothes fit.
• Photos over time.
• Energy, strength and how you feel.
• Measurements, if you like data.

Use the scale as one tool

Track your weight trend for the overall direction, but don't let it be the only measure of progress.

Ready to start? Open the app page: Weight loss tracker.