When you’re tracking your weight loss progress, many tools can be used. From counting calories to taking measurements, one tool that is often overlooked (but can be extremely impactful!) is using a weight loss tracker such as an app, scale or another digital device.
Why? There is a direct link between monitoring your weight and changes in your weight. In other words, keeping track of your weight trends can lead to better results.1 Between the availability of weight loss tracking apps, digital scales and virtual coaches, there are no shortage of digital tools that can help you achieve your health goals.
Using technology in conjunction with making the right diet and lifestyle changes can certainly set you up for success. One review found that weight loss interventions that utilized activity trackers might be a better option than a standard weight loss program for middle age and older adults.2 And results from another study showed that setting specific goals and using a commercial mobile app can produce clinically significant weight loss.3
What to track
While tracking weight loss often focuses on your body weight, there are other measurements you can take to monitor your progress. Here is a shortlist of what to track when you’re trying to lose weight:
- Your body weight
- Your body fat percentage
- Your measurements
- Take measurements of your waistline, hips, upper arms and upper thighs. Learn how to take measurements.
QuotePro Tip: Take photos! Yes, you’ll be inspired as you watch the number on the scale lower or see your measurements get smaller, but photos can reveal even more surprising benefits like a slimmer face and better skin.
How to track your weight
There are various ways to track your weight. Some are very basic, while others use advanced technology that can measure your body fat percentage and even your visceral fat. From free weight loss trackers to digital wireless scales, the options appear to be endless.
Tracking your weight is better than not tracking it at all — regardless of the mode. Monitoring can hold you accountable and may help increase your awareness of certain behaviors and triggers.4
When researchers evaluated almost 40 studies focused on weight loss and monitoring methods, they found that self-monitoring with a digital solution (like an app) is associated with superior weight loss vs. not using a digital tool.5
Here are some popular choices for conveniently tracking your weight loss:
Weighing yourself to monitor your weight
The “old-school” way of monitoring your weight is to do it manually — using a pen and paper. To do this, you would pick a time of day to weigh yourself (typically first thing in the morning) and after you step on the scale, you will note the date and write down your weight.
If you love to stay organized and doodle, bullet journaling is another popular option.
While this method works for some people, others find it tedious and hard to stick to.
Another solution is to utilize a wireless body scale like Jenny Craig’s new Hey Max! scale that effortlessly syncs to the Jenny mobile app. Hey Max! helps you stay on track and 'maximize' your weight loss journey. It is a smart way to monitor your weight from home and is one of the best scales for weight loss. Learn more about Hey Max! Wireless Body Weight Scale.
Using an app to monitor your weight
Using an app on your phone to monitor your weight is a popular choice for people who are on the go. An app can easily be downloaded onto your smart device and can be used to track details like weight, exercise and diet.
Some apps have additional features like the ability to sync to a digital scale or scan barcodes of popular food items.
To use an app to track your weight loss, download the app of your choosing and enter the information that is requested. From there, you will be able to monitor trends and outcomes very easily.
Stay on track anywhere with the new Jenny Craig app! Featuring a NEW personalized dashboard to help you monitor all your weight loss activity in one easy place.
Connecting with a coach digitally
Some people need human connection to hold them accountable, and connecting with a health or weight loss coach via telephone or webcam is a perfect solution.
A weight loss coach is a mentor of sorts — somebody who helps guide you through your wellness and weight loss journey. They will not only help you monitor outcomes like weight loss, but they can offer tips and guidance to help you stay on track.
The number of meetings a person has with a coach varies depending on many circumstances.
With a weight loss coach, you will likely have your weight checked weekly or monthly. It is a good idea to continue to track your weight in between sessions for the best results.
According to results from a study conducted at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, people who weighed themselves six or seven times per week lost 1.7% of their body weight over the course of a year. People who never weighed themselves, or who did so once per week, didn’t lose any weight during the same timeframe.6
Research also shows that having support is a critical part of weight loss success and may even accelerate your weight loss. One peer-reviewed study found that you can lose 3X more weight with the support of a weight loss coach than dieting on your own!7
Did you know? Jenny Craig includes personal weight loss coaching! You’ll get customized feedback, personalized guidance and meal planning with Rapid Results Max.
Tracking exercise on a watch
Smartwatches can do an amazing number of things to make lives more convenient – one being tracking exercise.
How it works is by sensing the body’s movement and tracking outcomes like calories burned, heart rate, and in some cases, weight. The watch can make calculations based on your movement and information that you provide, like your age, current weight and more.
It is an easy and seamless way to keep tabs on your progress.
Leaning on digital tools for success
Monitoring your progress can be an effective and evidence-based way to set yourself up for weight loss success. Use technology to your advantage! Download an app, get a digital scale and start tracking your results.
Take your weight loss to the Max with Jenny Craig’s most effective plan ever! You’ll get a complete meal plan, digital tools like our easy-to-use mobile app, a personal weight loss coach and so much more! Plus, you can track your transformation effortlessly with our new Hey Max! Wireless Body Weight Scale for only $19.99. Start Max Today.
Sources:
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31556659/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28488834/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30816851/
[4] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08870440008405583
[5] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/oby.23088
[6] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circ.138.suppl_1.10962
[7] JAMA. 2010 Oct 27;304(16):1803-10
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This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles and was written and reviewed by certified professionals.
Our goal at Jenny Craig is to provide the most up-to-date and objective information on health-related topics, so our readers can make informed decisions based on factual content. All articles undergo an extensive review process, and depending on the topic, are reviewed by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Certified Nutritionist, to ensure accuracy.
This article contains trusted sources including scientific, peer-reviewed papers. All references are hyperlinked at the end of the article to take readers directly to the source.
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