Weighing in on weighing-in...
Last week I was weighing-in several of my clients in a weight management group. The weekly weigh-in is strictly voluntary, but encouraged. A couple of them had worked diligently all week at exercising and eating carefully. Those folks practically hopped onto the scale, proud to see the progress they'd made. A few stepped on in spite of a bumpy previous week, not the least bit surprised to see that a pound or two had returned. The newest participant politely declined the opportunity, assuring the group that she'd be glad to "do it next week." No pressure from me...her choice.
The weigh-in takes place at the start of class. As a dietitian, I have always felt that, though logical, it is awkward to put someone on the scale before you've even really gotten to know them. To me, it's like asking your blind date if he wants to have kids before you've finished shaking hands. Too personal. With our scale, you are also required to give your age and your height. Again, a little more than some people wish to share with a stranger whom they have just met.
Following the visit to the scale, we discussed the impact of the number. Everyone in the room agreed that the result of that one step could make or break their mood/self-esteem/plans for the entire day. I shared with them some interesting data from the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) "the largest prospective investigation of long-term successful weight loss maintenance". NWCR reports that 75% of these individuals weigh themselves at least once a week. This is only one of the many findings, but, it's certainly meaningful. I have witnessed the complete surprise that accompanies someone stepping on the scale after a long hiatus. That hiatus breeds denial. Or, more often, people become so fearful of the number they will see, they are panic-stricken. Putting it off, contrary to popular belief, doesn't make you weigh any less.
So...is it better to know the number and hold yourself accountable on a regular basis...or, is it best for your mental health to stay in your uninformed happy place and let your weight remain a mystery?
The weigh-in takes place at the start of class. As a dietitian, I have always felt that, though logical, it is awkward to put someone on the scale before you've even really gotten to know them. To me, it's like asking your blind date if he wants to have kids before you've finished shaking hands. Too personal. With our scale, you are also required to give your age and your height. Again, a little more than some people wish to share with a stranger whom they have just met.
Following the visit to the scale, we discussed the impact of the number. Everyone in the room agreed that the result of that one step could make or break their mood/self-esteem/plans for the entire day. I shared with them some interesting data from the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) "the largest prospective investigation of long-term successful weight loss maintenance". NWCR reports that 75% of these individuals weigh themselves at least once a week. This is only one of the many findings, but, it's certainly meaningful. I have witnessed the complete surprise that accompanies someone stepping on the scale after a long hiatus. That hiatus breeds denial. Or, more often, people become so fearful of the number they will see, they are panic-stricken. Putting it off, contrary to popular belief, doesn't make you weigh any less.
So...is it better to know the number and hold yourself accountable on a regular basis...or, is it best for your mental health to stay in your uninformed happy place and let your weight remain a mystery?
