The Scale Is A Liar

Recently, a client was lamenting the fact that her weight hadn't changed. She said her clothes were "hanging on her" and that she was able to wear things in her closet that had been too tight.

So why was she upset? Her blood pressure is up (one reason she resumed exercising) and the doctor isn't happy that her weight hasn't dropped. 

This is very frustrating for me. The client is healthier, feels better, is less stressed, has greatly increased her stamina, is much stronger (she mentioned carrying her luggage through the airport with no problem), and has clearly reduced her body fat. However, instead of celebrating her accomplishments, she is focused on the one area that hasn't changed yet.

Don't get hung up on one aspect of health. As this client continues with good nutrition and exercising, her weight will go down but she already made great progress.

How can she have lost inches but no weight on the scale? A pound of muscle is denser and takes up less space than a pound of fat. So, you can lose fat, gain muscle, and stay the same weight but get smaller.

Don't get hung up on the scale. Go by how you feel, inches dropped, and how your clothes fit.


UPDATE: I got a call from the client yesterday. She just found out that her cholesterol is down 31 points! She will also be reducing her blood pressure medication by half- all in 3 months!

UPDATE #2 (6-22-12): Email from client reports that she is now totally off blood pressure medication. 

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