This archive report was first published on 6 January 2020.
January 6, 2020, marked a turning point for many people looking to improve their health and fitness in the new year. However, a nutrition expert from Brisbane has a warning for those relying on bathroom scales to track their progress.
Leanne Ward, a 28-year-old dietitian, took to Instagram to share her concerns about the accuracy of bathroom scales. She began the day at 69.5kg and ended it at 71.6kg, with her scales recording a different weight at each point.
"There is no perfect weight," Leanne explained. "You do not have a 'magical' number that will make you happy, healthy or 'fit.' Whatever weight you 'desire' is simply a number. This number will fluctuate every day!"
Leanne highlighted the various factors that can affect what you see on the scales, including water retention, bloating, the time of the month, eating, and going to the toilet. She emphasized that the scales will never represent how hard you've truly worked.
"Your worth as a human isn't determined by a number. Your worth isn't determined by this tiny metal square which more often than not is an inaccurate representation of your health. Focus on other health measures - not your weight," Leanne advised.
Instead of relying on scales, Leanne suggests trying body composition machines or measuring success by fitting in those jeans that were a little too tight or seeing a change in photos of yourself.
